Zelena keeps senior citizens busy, happy at center

MADISON – Positive attitudes and friendly people convinced Amy Zelena to accept her new job as Senior Activities Coordinator at Madison Senior Center.

“After volunteering for a few months at the senior center, I found the environment to be relaxed, fun and entertaining,” Zelena said. “The people are friendly and inviting. There is always a lot of activity and laughter.”

In her job, Zelena devotes time in planning events at the center, like games and parties, and extracurricular excursions, like field trips to Chattanooga or other destinations. She also spends time “talking and interacting with our seniors,” Zelena said.

Her experience, while starkly contrasting in its scope, helped her prepare for her new job. “I spent my early career working with exotic and domestic animals in the zoo and veterinary field. Then, I worked with people in many different aspects to include grief and trauma,” Zelena said. “These positions helped me to find my way to the senior center.”

“Here at the center, I am able to apply my people experiences and knowledge to generate a fun, active and creative place for senior citizens to visit, socialize and relax,” she said.

Her daily routine does keep her busy, but Zelena likes every moment. “It’s very rewarding, and I look forward to going to work every day and seeing the seniors and our staff,” she said.

Over the next few months, Zelena, Center Director Vickie Parker and other staff members will implement new programs. “We have decided to create a trivia tournament, Scrabble tournament, coloring party, Hillbilly Band, scavenger hunt through ‘The Madison Record’ newspaper and Senior Spotlight. We will continue to brainstorm and create more,” Zelena said.

Zelena is a native of the Midwest, where she grew up with her family. “I have lived in Madison for almost two years. My husband retired from the (military) service and became employed here in the Madison-Huntsville area for Lockheed Martin,” she said.

Their son Anthony Zelena is a junior at Spring Hill College in Mobile.

In free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her dogs, their family and their friends. “I read books, paint and bake. I enjoy watching hockey games, baseball and football. I love to travel and see new places,” she said.

Madison Senior Center’s address is 1282 Hughes Road. For more information, call 256-772-6258.