Grace Martin Harwell Senior Center
310 W Main St. * Washington, N.C. 27889 * 252-975-9368
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The Senior Center co-sponsors programs for senior adults, ages 55 and older, with the Cooperative Extension Service, Beaufort County Health Department, Beaufort County Department of Social Services, Beaufort County Community College and the Mid-East Commission. The center is the frequent site of informational workshops, medical screenings, and wellness programs.
Our Mission
"The mission of the Grace Martin Harwell Senior Center, as a division of the City of Washington Parks and Recreation Department...
...is to provide programs and activities to enhance the quality of life and promote independent living for area adults 55 and older"
Who was Grace Martin Harwell?
Grace Harwell, affectionately called Miss Grace, acted as the first recreation director in Washington even though she never officially held the title. Her recreation career began in 1942 as a volunteer leader of the USO Dances at the Bughouse Center. Following the war, Miss Grace opened the Bughouse Center for teen dances on Friday and Saturday nights. She attended classes to learn new skills and returned home to teach them to the citizens of Washington. During the 1950's and 1960's she ran activities at the Bughouse Center. She started the Tot Lot program that is still a major partof the department's summer programs. In addition to running the Center during the day, she organized, staffed, and made a success of the concession program at the athletic fields. She could handle any job and was never afraid of tackling new challenges. Miss Grace served under seven recreation directors, retiring in 1975. She contributed to the youth of Washington and in her later years became a frequent participant in the senior programs. She and husband Fred loved to travel with the Seniors from the Senior Center. It is with much pride that we have chosen the name of Grace Martin Harwell for our Senior Center.
Programs and Activities
Links
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NC Care Link
NC Division of Aging
Mid East Area Agency on Aging
Calendar