The Senior Center here in Jackson County is very active with all kinds of goings-on, including special event trips. They take seniors out to places such as Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, the Senior Celebration in Cherokee, the Pisgah Inn, Asheville for shopping, and more.

 

Jackson County Transit provides the transportation for most of these events. The cost of transportation is included in the price for attending the event when you sign up at the Senior Center. The fare for trips is discounted to seniors who have provided the necessary documentation to the center and have completed a form for the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program, otherwise known as an EDTAP form. To qualify for this transportation program you must be over the age of 65 or disabled. If your disability isn’t obvious you’ll need to have a doctor sign the form. If a person isn’t over 65 or disabled, the cost will be a little more for transportation.

 

The buses Jackson County Transit uses seat generally up to 23 people. However, the Senior Center Director can arrange for a Recreation Department van, which seats 9 more, to take any additional passengers that might sign up for a particular trip. That’s a lot of folks having a lot of fun!  Sometimes, if there are even more people going (such as to the Senior Celebration in Cherokee), we may need to dispatch two of our larger buses to shuttle passengers. If you’re interested in going on some of these trips and you meet the Senior Center qualifications please give them a call at 828-586-5494. 

 

Our Senior Center in Jackson County is one of the best in the state.  Drop by for a tour if you’re unfamiliar with all the services they provide through your tax dollars. A few examples include ramps for the disabled, firewood, heating assistance, and options counseling.  There is also a wonderful congregate dining room which serves delicious healthy lunches, and they also operate the Meals-On-Wheels program from there.  The congregate area is also available for use by the public.  Again, call 828-586-5494 for more information if you need a large meeting place.  The Department on Aging is under the direction of Eddie Wells.

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For more information please call: 

(828) 586-0233 TDD/TTY: 711 or (800)735-2962

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