The SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida – Life is Beautiful

The senior community is one of our highest priorities here in the Santa Clarita Valley. For the past 40 years, a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers and the community at large have made it a point to ensure our seniors are having the time of their lives in their golden years. What started as a small operation in Newhall has grown into a location that cost well over $10 million for all to enjoy. Bella Vida (Italian for beautiful life) sits in the roaring hills off Golden Valley Road over-looking Canyon Country. Here, our seniors (in addition to the community) can attend several activities throughout the week, as well as dine on delicious food and refreshments from a professional chef. At the helm of this organization is Executive Director Kevin MacDonald. He, along with the board of directors, Bella Vida staff and volunteers work hard to foster a better quality of life for older persons.
Walking in, your eye is drawn to the large donor wall that showcases all the people that helped create this amazing space. “We are so thankful to the community for giving their support,” says Jennifer DeHaven, Coordinator of Operations. From the waiting area to the office spaces you are met with a welcoming atmosphere-the rich earth tones accented with large windows that lead to an outdoor courtyard create a bright, open space for seniors, giving them a country club feel.
The Senior Center at Bella Vida offers several amenities and services. Before the new center opened, the SCV Aging Committee wanted to make sure that the growing needs of the population would be met while leaving space for growth. Recently, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital announced their “Ask the Nurse” service. Here, people can speak with a registered nurse about general health questions. The Senior Center at Bella Vida offer activities around Arts, Education, Physical Fitness and so much more! “We want to be the ‘go-to’ place for senior interests,” says Kevin. There is so much to do here! Patrons can swing by the new gym with state-of-the-art equipment to keep in physical health or take a computer and technology course to work out their brain. There is a dance studio and even a pool hall where many of the regulars have created a league that competes with other centers.
During the week, attendees can come enjoy a hot meal, along with an array of classes and services. These include support services like Grandparents as Parents and classes like Chair Exercises. The new center offers more care managers, health and wellness lectures – all the same supportive services, but always leaving room for expansion and new developments. “We are always bringing something new to the table for everyone to try,” he continued.
Some of the amenities are only available for seniors like the food and care management programs. Today, the center serves 275 attendees per day at Bella Vida, and has expanded the home delivery program to the Antelope Valley. “They came to us in need of help and we happily obliged,” Kevin commented.
Bella Vida is a place of luxury and dedicated service. Although created as a response to the increasing senior population, it is open for all to take part. Kevin and his team encourage the community to continue to get the word out about Bella Vida. Kevin concluded, “Our goal for the future is to continue growing while staying up-to-date on current trends”.

CLASSES AVAILABLE AT BELLA VIDA

2nd Career Center
Aerobics
Aerobics w/Katie Art – Acrylics/Oil
Aerobics w/Katie Crafts & Needlework
Aerobics w/Katie Needlecraft
Anthro/History
Beginning Tai Chi (A)
Beginning Tai Chi (B)
Beginning Tap Dance
Bella Vida Bookworms
Bingo
Blood Pressure Screening
Canasta
Caregiver Support
Chair Dance
Chair Pilates & Stretch
Chair Yoga
Chess
Colorful Relaxation
Conscious Aging
Creative Writing
Dancing Feet
Duplicate Bridge
Emotional Support
EZ Tai Chi
Flex & Flow Yoga
Food Bingo
Grief Support
Hand Drumming
Intermediate Tai Chi (A)
Intermediate Tai Chi (B)
Intermediate Watercolor Art
Journal Writing
Ladies Billiards
Line Dance with Sally
Mah Jongg
Meditation
Ping Pong
Pinochle
Rummikub
Senior Cinema
Silvertones
Sit & Be Fit
Social Bridge
Tap Dance
Wii Bowling
Zumba Gold w/Annette

Call today to confirm dates and times: 661-259-9444
You must register for each class and attend an orientation before the class.

photos by Joie de Vivre photographie

Comments