The Colley Senior Complex hosted Open House Tuesday and people of all ages were invited to come and see what goes on inside the senior center on Elm Street.

The doors of the Colley Senior Complex are always open wide, said Catherine Jordan, Complex director.

“A lot of people pass by the Colley Senior Complex without knowing about the outstanding programs we have for our seniors,” Jordan said. “And, I hear people say they plan to come when they get old enough. The age to participate in our programs is 50. And, age 50 is the new 30.

“At the Colley Senior Complex, we work and play like we’re 30. We have fun and enjoy life. The Colley Senior Complex is our home away from home. Here, we’re all family.”

Jordan said the seniors realize how fortunate they are to have such an wonderful “home away for home” and a place that offers so many opportunities.

“We are blessed to live in a community that provides for its senior adults in such a caring way and to have the opportunities that we have here.”

Jordan and members of the Complex staff have visited other senior centers, including a highly rated facility in Mobile, and have found the Colley Center is right in line with the best of them.

“Actually, we are above the standard in taking care of our senior adults,” she said. “We certainly want to thank the City of Troy for taking care of its seniors in such a wonderful way.”

Jordan expressed appreciation to the staff members and all the volunteers who lend their talents on a daily basis without pay and to all of those who participate in the Center’s programs.

The seniors’ artwork was a highlight of Open House and included paintings, pottery, quilts and smocking.

The Complex Art Guild put the show together and Guild President Mary Wadowick said the seniors have a lot of talent and they enjoy sharing it. On Tuesday, the spotlight was on the seniors’ artwork.

Included in the show was Ann Collins’ glazed pottery that won a blue ribbon at the National Peanut Festival art show last year. Her work is a prime example of the talent that is displayed throughout the year at the Complex.

“The City of Troy works so hard for us and their hard work makes is possible for the Center to offer art, music, exercise classes, computer classes, mind games and board games,” Wadowick said. “We take trips together and we have a lot of fun just being together here at the Center.

The seniors who attended Open House agreed the Colley Senior Complex is their home away from home and a gold mine waiting to be discovered by those who will, one day, walk through the open doors of the Colley Senior Complex.