I'm at the Union City Senior Center. When I was invited to come here to do a Last Word story, I asked “Why?”  I was told Union City Senior Center rocks!!!

The senior center rocks? I do not see senior citizens with guitars or hear any loud music. Wait a minute!  I get it.  I’ll be focusing on another kind of rock. I see a beautiful display of large stones in front of me. These rocks were painted by some of the seniors who are members here.  Jeanette Bidwell is the crafts director at the center. It was her idea last year to have the seniors create this outdoor display at an empty space in front of the building.

"I had done it at home at my flower garden and I got so many compliments that I decided instead of doing it at home that we would fill this up and give it some color,” she says.

There's groups of rocks made into a caterpillar, and a dragonfly. There's ladybugs, and many different kinds of flowers. And oh my!  There's a John Last/ Last Word rock!!!

"Every day somebody's coming and commenting about the rocks and how pretty they are.  It makes them smile when they come in in the morning,” says Jeanette.

Added to the display this year is a memorial garden. Rocks were painted in honor of senior center members, or relatives, who have died. Some members are not artistic and do not want to paint a rock themselves. Those members are asking the more creative members of the center to paint a memorial rock for them. The senior artists are always willing to do it.

"It is excellent for their mental health,” says Laura Spaid, the senior center’s director. “Something like this being a positive thing if it makes someone smile. It makes them smile because it makes them feel good about what they created. That someone out there appreciates it."

Crafts aren't the only thing offered at the senior center. Members come here to play cards, play pool, and do jigsaw puzzles. They play bingo, listen to guest speakers, and take advantage of the exercise equipment and exercise classes. And there is always a nice lunch. Margaret Crocker says she does pretty much all of the activities.

"I like to do the exercises and I like to play cards. I like to visit. Now and then I do a puzzle. The main thing about coming here is there's just a variety of activities,” she says.

I’m kind of tired after experiencing all the activities here at the senior center. I think I'm just going to sit here awhile and just rock.

If you would like to take an up-close look at the rock garden, the senior center is located at 27 Johnson Street in Union City. The painted rock creations are put out every year in the spring. They are stored away at the end of autumn so they will not become weather-worn.