Staff photo/ Bob Coupland Colleen Chance, left, director of the Recreation, Education, Socialization, Together (REST) program spends time with Chris Ellks of Niles, the program’s exercise instructor, at the McDonald Community Center where the program is offered. REST is marking 10 years of providing services and programs to those aged 60 and older.

McDONALD — For the past 10 years residents of the village and other communities can stop at the McDonald community room where the Recreation, Education, Socialization, Together program takes place.

Colleen Chance, director of the program, said all activities are for residents age 60 and older in Trumbull County and are offered in the community room across from the municipal building.

Chance, who has served as director for the past two years, said she encourages the public to stop in and see the many varied programs and activities offered.

Chris Ellks of Niles, the program’s exercise instructor,said she has participated for 10 years and has seen more activities added and increased attendance.

Ellks said the program continued during the coronavirus pandemic with her and others offering the services online.

Chance said there are exercise classes, line dancing, bingo, arts and crafts, movie days and potluck meals.

“We want to offer a variety of choices. We bring in different speakers because we want to offer things that will interest a lot of people,” Chance said,

A recent open house let people tour the community room and see what is available.

“We want people who come here to feel a sense of community. We want them to feel this is a place they can come to and have fun and feel like they belong,” Chance said.

Chance said she keeps the program busy with many activities.

“People can stop by and take part in whatever they want to that day,” Chance said.

Village Administrator Tom Domitrovich was among local officials who came to the recent 10-year celebration of REST.

“What makes the program nice is that it is locally run. People who go there may not know everyone but soon make friends.

Mayor Ray Lewis said the village is fortunate to have such a program and place to offer to not only local residents but residents from anywhere in Trumbull County,

“Colleen has been a rock star with what she is able to do there for the public. You can tell she loves her job and the people who come there.” Lewis said.

He said many people want to be able to get out of their homes and attend a place where they can socialize with others.

Chance said REST is funded by the Trumbull County Senior Levy which allows all activities and events to be offered free.

She said while many people who attend programs are mostly McDonald’ residents, there are also people from Girard, Niles, Champion and Cortland who participate.

The community room is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at 500 Ohio Avenue. Call 330-530-5472 for more information.