Damascus Senior Center                                        240-777-6995

9701 Main Street, Damascus, MD 20872

About the Program
The Damascus Senior Center is conveniently located right in the center of Damascus where it shares the building with the Damascus Public Library. Open to seniors Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm, the center offers amenities such as an all-purpose room where exercise classes, entertainment programs and workshops are held; a gift shop with many intriguing gifts made by seniors; well-stocked craft and art rooms for craft classes of all kinds; and billiards, ping-pong, shuffleboard, and air hockey tables for friendly competition. A pleasant and sunny dining area where daily lunches are served overlooks a butterfly garden, and both outdoor shuffleboard and horseshoe areas are available for added enjoyment. The center also has an exercise room, a small video lending library on important health issues affecting seniors, and a loan closet for short-term health needs. A great selection of classes are offered, and there are weekly entertainment programs, health screening and education, informational speakers, counseling opportunities on issues of interest to seniors, theme parties and lots of camaraderie.

Seniors, ages 55 and above who live in the surrounding community and wish to lead active and interesting lives, will find the Damascus Senior Center a stimulating and welcoming place. Whether you are looking for friendship, useful information, or great entertainment, you'll find that the Damascus Senior Center has many opportunities for seniors to stay connected with life.

General Information
The Damascus Senior Center is one of four senior centers sponsored by Montgomery County Department of Recreation. Meeting in its present building since 1990, the Damascus Senior Center has a long history of being a full-service center with a wide variety of classes and programs of interest to seniors. A monthly newsletter is produced that includes the calendar of events and is available when you visit the center; or you may request a sample copy by clicking here.

The center director will be happy to give you a tour and introduction to the center and programs, and introduce you to some of the wonderful folks who enjoy coming. We guarantee that one visit will convince you that the Damascus Senior Center is a friendly, active and interesting place to spend your day or a few hours.

Directions
Take route #27 into Damascus. When route #27 curves left, continue straight on route #108. Go through two traffic lights, and the center is on the left. (Note: The senior center and the Damascus Library are in the same building.) Or take route #108 into Damascus, and the senior center is on the right.

Senior Information & Assistance
A counselor from Senior Information and Assistance, which is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, will be at the center three Wednesdays a month from 11:30am to 4:00pm. You can get information on senior housing, financial assistance, Medicare, Medicaid and get assistance with filling out complicated forms. To make an appointment, call 240-777-1060. If the counselor is unavailable when you call and you need immediate assistance, call the Senior Information and Assistance line at the Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disabilities to speak with another counselor (240-777-3000).

Health Screenings
Blood Pressure Screening
Two days a month (i.e., the first Wednesday and third Thursday) volunteer nurses provide blood pressure screening. This free service is available without appointment.

Vision, Glaucoma and Hearing Screenings
Two times a year vision, glaucoma and hearing screenings will be provided free of charge. Find out when these important screenings are being offered by calling the center at 240-777-6995.

Cholesterol Screening
Three times a year Adventist Health Care provides cholesterol screening by administering a venipuncture blood test that produces a complete lipid profile (i.e., total cholesterol level, HDL, LDL and triglycerides). A fee is charged and pre-registration through Adventist Health Care is required. Call the center to see when the next cholesterol screening is scheduled.

Available Transportation
Limited door-to-door transportation is available Monday through Friday. Call the center director to see if you live within the travel district and to register. Ongoing reservations should then be made in person or by calling by 2:00pm one day in advance. If last minute changes are necessary, you must call by 8:00am and leave a message on the recorder to cancel the reservation (240-777-6995).

Customer Satisfaction
The Montgomery County Department of Recreation strives to provide high quality programs and opportunities for seniors, and we value your input. Please take a moment to share your ideas, comments and suggestions to help us continue to improve recreation services to seniors. Click here to give us your valuable feedback by completing a Customer Satisfaction Survey.

You may also contact us by email: mailto:rec%20seniors@montgomerycountymd.gov

Inclement Weather Policy
When Montgomery County Public Schools have a delayed opening or are closed due to snow, ice or severe weather, all classes and activities will be cancelled. There will be no lunch served and no transportation. When County schools close early, the center may close early, and all programs and classes scheduled after lunch will be cancelled. If in doubt, call the center before you attempt to go (240-777-6995), or call the Senior Programs Office (240-777-4925). If schools have a scheduled holiday, call the center and listen to the recorded message for schedule changes.

ADA Information
Montgomery County Government is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and seniors with disabilities are encouraged to participate in senior programs. If you need auxiliary aids or services in order to participate, call 240-777-6960/TTY 240-777-6974 two weeks prior to the start of the program.

Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is available for low-income residents. For information, call the Damascus Senior Center at 240-777-6995.