Fulton County Council on Aging nears 50 years serving the community

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It's been almost 50 years since the Fulton County Council on Aging started its humble beginnings at 625 Pontiac Street. 

Formed out of the basement of the former Rochester High School building in 1974, it would be two more decades before the group would get the building which they have today.

Transportation Supervisor for Fulton County Transpo Rusty Moore said that prior to scoring a building, the idea came about more like a grassroots movement for seniors in Rochester. 

Devoted to providing services that enable and encourage senior citizens, for the past five decades the Council on Aging's aim has been to keep the older Fulton County population active, social and vibrant.

Between classes that range from exercise and technology, to day trips, movies, and community gardening, each program is provided to strengthen minds and bodies. The Council also provides medical equipment, blood pressure monitoring and other health related services, to help address the overall health needs of the seniors.

Moore's mother, Terry Moore, was the executive director for more than 24 years. Her heart for helping others during her reign was contagious at the facility. 

Over time, the Council building was utilized to help the community even more when it expanded to become the Fulton County Community Center & Council on Aging. Now more than just services for seniors, the Community Center also helps low income individuals, and disadvantaged people trying to maintain an independent lifestyle.

Their growth was made possible thanks to grants and support from the Fulton County Community Foundation, along with local donations. 

In 2002, the building added Fulton County Transpo, providing public transportation to Fulton County residents, something the area had never seen before. A decade later brought another major addition with the construction of an expanded transportation garage and office space. 

Running Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fulton County Transpo provides rides in Rochester for $2, and throughout Fulton County for $4. Riders over the age of 60 are free, but donations are accepted. 

A community food pantry, United Ministries, and Energy Assistance Program were also later added to transform the full service “Community Center.” 

Keeping on the legacy of his mother, Moore continues to water the growth at the Community Center as much as possible by working with the other organizations when he sees opportunities come up. 

Lunch is served daily during the week to seniors by Area 5, with senior activites that are before lunch like bingo, card games, chair volleyball, chair yoga and more. 

All of the meals and many of the activities are in the 'Terry Moore Memorial Activity Room.'

The room was dedicated to Terry Moore in 2022, in honor of the decades she had spent working on the vision and development of the Fulton County Community Center and Council on Aging. 

Moore said around 10 to 30 seniors show up each day to their facility, something he knows his mother would be proud of. 

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the Fulton County Council on Aging will be the highlight of several activities during the month of June.

On June 8, the 32nd Annual Golf Scramble will kick off the month, with all proceeds from the event being donated to the Community Center and Council on Aging. Moore said the golf event is also one of the biggest financial boost helping to purchase the vans used for Transpo.

The facility will host an open house on June 29. Activities will include a cookout, tours of the senior center and new garage, and introductions of staff and drivers to community members. 

Moore hopes the open house will make more locals aware of their services at the Fulton County Community Center & Council on Aging.