If you ever find yourself walking through the doors of the St. Patrick Senior Center in Detroit and hear the joyful sound of gospel music lifting through the halls, chances are you’re hearing the soulful voice of Rosie Woods — affectionately known as “Rose.” But to call her just a singer would be to tell only a small part of the story. Rose is a volunteer, advocate, dancer, technophile, and a shining example of what it means to live life with purpose and heart.

Rose’s journey with the Senior Center began somewhat serendipitously back in 2004. She was brought to a dance event at the center by her ever-adventurous group of friends. The only hiccup? She wasn’t quite old enough to join yet — the minimum age was 60 at the time. But that didn’t stop her. When she officially joined as a volunteer in the computer lab, she had no idea how deeply involved she’d become. One thing led to another, and soon, Rose was doing it all — helping others learn technology, volunteering in the dining hall, advocating for better transportation for seniors in wheelchairs, and singing her heart out every weekend in the gospel choir.

What makes her story even more remarkable is that Rose had never sung a day in her life before joining the choir. “If you can talk, you can sing,” a friend once told her. Rose took that advice to heart — and wow, can she sing. Today, she stands proud among her fellow choir members, her voice now a treasured part of the center’s soul. Born in Arkansas, Rose came to Detroit at just 14 for summer jobs, and ultimately found love and built her life here. 

For the past 54 years, she’s called Detroit home — a city that mirrors her spirit: strong, resilient, and full of heart. She comes from a big, close-knit family — one of 16 siblings, with Rose being the second child and eldest daughter. That sense of family runs deep in her. Every two years, her extended family gathers for a reunion that brings together nearly 2,000 relatives in a different city for a weekend filled with laughter, food, and love.

Rose has a special relationship with God. One of her favorite songs — taught to her by her mother — is “It’s So Good to Know Jesus.” That sentiment echoes through her life, especially when she sings, volunteers, and lifts up those around her. Rose brings the same devotion to her community that she gives to her family. She volunteers not just inside the Senior Center, but throughout Detroit, representing St. Patrick at public events, conducting outreach to veterans and fellow seniors, and even serving as a church usher. Before the pandemic, she could often be seen cruising on her 3-speed bike along the Dequindre Cut, headed to the Center with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.

Whether she’s dancing in the ballroom class, experimenting with virtual reality — like the time she “flew” in a hot air balloon and almost fell off a virtual cliff — or simply helping someone figure out how to post a photo on Facebook, Rose approaches every activity with curiosity and joy. “There are so many smiling faces at the Senior Center,” she says. “You can spend your whole day there and never be bored.”

Of all the activities she enjoys, the gospel choir holds the most special place in her heart. For Rose, singing isn’t just about music. It’s about connection, celebration, and spirit. It’s about being part of something larger than herself, and using her voice — once hidden — to uplift others.

Rosie “Rose” Woods is more than just a volunteer. She is the heartbeat of the St. Patrick Senior Center — a woman who turned an accidental visit into a lifelong calling.

She reminds us all that it’s never too late to try.

The post A Rose in Full Bloom: The Inspiring Story of Rosie Woods at St. Patrick Senior Center first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

As I walked into the back entrance of St. Pat’s Senior Center I was greeted by a tie-dye wearing, energetic man who seemed much too young to be at a senior center. Jimmie Green quickly introduced himself and made sure that I and my DSO colleagues felt home and welcomed at St. Pat’s, something I feel Jimmie does his best to do with everyone he meets.

As we walked the building, I learned that Jimmie came to St. Pat’s to sing tenor and play harmonica in the gospel choir. Jimmie said he stayed around and got more involved – specifically with digital outreach and education. 

We walked around the large computer classroom and Jimmie showed off how proud he was of the work at St. Pat’s but also the outreach to other recreation and residential centers in the city. Being able to help others become digitally connected is something he truly enjoys. His favorite class to teach? Virtual Reality! He likes getting people involved with digital navigation and seeing people light up when they experience VR for the first time.  Teaching tech and digital learning makes sense for Jimmie, as he retired from IT work in 2016.

When we talked about his life, Jimmie said he’d spent most of his life in Detroit, listening and playing blues, Motown, and would love to see a Motown dance night come to St. Pat’s. Jimmie also hopes to put the stories of his friends and family at St. Pat’s out in the world through a podcast. 

Over our time together I continually heard Jimmie talk about St. Pat’s as his family. He said these are great people and have such a strong connection to each other. There is a sense of the Detroit attitude of “let’s take care of each other” that speaks to him. It’s like being home. Jimmie was also happy to share he’s been married for 45 years with 4 kids, 2 girls and 2 boys.

When he’s not at St. Pat’s, you can find him playing the blues or finding a jam session to join.

The post Digital Navigator Jimmie Green first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

You know the second that Michael Jones walks into the room that you’re in for a story. Author, dancer, and retired US Navy sailor, Michael brings all of it with him, every day. We chatted together in to learn more about his upbringing and the role that St. Pat’s Senior Center plays in his life.

Michael was born in Detroit and grew up visiting spots surrounding St. Pat’s. From an early age, dance was everything for Michael. Coming from a family of dancers, he remembers Elvis Presley’s iconic, hip-shaking debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. From there, he was going to dance parties all throughout the city, including some at the iconic but no longer standing Graystone Ballroom.

Michael graduated from Eastern High School (today named Martin Luther King Jr. High School) and enlisted in the armed forces. Enlisting in the US Navy not only allowed for him to serve his country but also gave him the opportunity to see the world and share his love of dance in multiple countries, including France, Italy, Japan, Malta, Philippines, Spain, and Sicily. 

Coming back to the United States as a veteran himself, veterans issues are close to Michael’s heart. Michael recalled a moment that stuck with him and inspired him to take action. One Independence Day while cooking out, he saw a disabled veteran being turned away after asking for help. Michael fixed the man a plate of food and thought to himself “a veteran should never have to struggle on Independence Day.” From then on, Michael began organizing a free meal and clothes distribution each Independence Day for homeless veterans in Cass Park, across the street from the Masonic Temple.

Earlier this year, Michael published “Reflections of Us: Chronicle of Life,”book of poetry. He began writing his own poetry from a young age, and later in life found himself inspired by prominent poet Nikki Giovanni. What brings Michael to the community of St. Pat’s? It’s a little bit of everything. 

The cultural programming brought Michael to meet his now wife, who he spotted from the balcony dancing during an event in the ballroom. The moment Michael saw her, he knew he had to get to know her. St. Pat’s means something different to everyone, but as shown by Michael’s story, it’s all about connection and the overwhelming sense of community you feel as soon as you walk in the door.

The post A Meeting with Rev. Michael Jones first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

When you meet Sago Garrett, one of St. Patrick Senior Center’s Digital Navigators, it’s easy to see why so many members gravitate toward his computer station. Sago has a knack for helping others feel at ease with technology—a skill built on decades of experience and a lifelong passion for trying new things.

Originally from a “small country town in West Virginia—no stoplight, no music, no nothing,” as he puts it, Sago’s journey has taken him far from his rural roots. After a brief stint at Cornell University, he transferred to Howard University and later Michigan State University, where he studied economics and social science. His early career took him into the world of data communications, computer programming, and management at Chrysler. Later, he spent two decades consulting in Chicago before eventually moving to Detroit.

Now, in his role as a Digital Navigator at St. Pat’s, Sago helps seniors’ build confidence with computers and smartphones. Whether he’s walking someone through setting up an email account or showing them how to scan a QR code, he’s quick to see the impact of his work. “It’s so satisfying,” he says. “You can see the immediate smile as soon as you do what you need to do.”

Sago has been with St. Pat’s for more than two years, and he describes the center as a welcoming and lively place to spend time. “Everyone is friendly, engaging—it’s a nice social scene,” he says. When he’s not helping members with their tech questions, he enjoys many of the center’s activities and stays active with hobbies. He’s a fan of pickleball and has taken music classes in piano, clarinet, and theory through local programs.

Outside of St. Pat’s, Sago has a wide range of interests: cycling with the Wolverines Athletic Club, sailing with the American Sailing Institute, ballroom dancing, and serving as a trustee at Metropolitan United Methodist Church. He’s also an active concertgoer and a longtime supporter of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where he previously volunteered as an usher.

Through his work with the center and engagement with his community, Sago embodies the St. Pat’s spirit to keep learning, connecting, and giving back.

The post All About Sago Garrett first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

The post Rev Hilda Smith Talks about St. Pat first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

Mature Adults open to short-term training for guaranteed employment can sign up for our Community Health Worker Training.  For those thinking about opening a business or a non-profit, our Entrepreneurship Training is perfect.

(To be eligible for Ageless Innovations, you must be 55 years old, a resident of Michigan, and possess a high school diploma.  Participants may sign up for only one of the two programs.)

For Community Health Worker Training, Visit HERE  

For Entrepreneurship Training, Visit  HERE  

The post Entrepreneurship and Community Health Trainings Going Strong in Year Two. first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

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Our activities department not only provides many opportunities for our members to stay active, but there are also a number of special services offered. And when the weather is warm, St Pat is abuzz with activities outside, too – including dance and exercise, specialty sales and more.

These are just a few of the offerings available:

• Over a dozen dance and movement classes, including beginning and advanced Hustle, Belly Dance, Chicago Step, Ballroom, Tai Chi, Zumba Gold, Chair Exercise, Enhance Fitness, Matt Yoga and Chair Yoga
• Conveniences like Wednesday haircuts, mens and womens clothing rooms, and periodic yard sales
• Computer training in our own second floor computer lab. St. Pat has long been at the forefront of helping seniors enhance their computer skills
• Craft-making and other artistic endeavors
• Our very own gospel choir, which performs to wide acclaim
• The Book Club, which meets to discuss the latest fiction or non-fiction they’re reading –  and has also produced two well-attended book fairs.

Contact Activities at 313 833-7080

Joann Carter; Activities Director – Ext 217

The photo shows one of the many well-attended yard sales in our park.

The post Dance, Exercise, Activities and Lots of Fun for Everyone! first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

Since the pandemic began, limited opportunities have been available inside the center, and outside during warmer months  – and we have moved dozens of programs online, which also helps our members improve computer skills.  As of March, some programs are moving back inside – providing members are fully vaccinated and agree to take a Covid rapid test

Programs include:

• Our onsite Wellness Clinic,  open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM.   The clinic offers numerous health checks and consultation services – as well as medical supplies ranging from sanitary materials to wheelchairs and walkers.

• Evidence-based courses in conjunction with Detroit Area Agency on Aging – focusing on managing pain, maintaining balance, living with diabetes, etc.

• Personal Action Toward Health – where participants engage in formatted diet and exercise regimens to improve and maintain good health

• Phone checks and other support for those isolated in their homes – often in conjunction with nursing students from Madonna, Wayne State and Michigan State Universities

• Onsite and virtual visits with specialists – podiatrists, nutritionists, etc.

• Nutrition counseling – including Healthy Cooking Classes that also introduce participants to different foods and cultures

• Updates and information on where to receive services ranging from covid vaccines to free smoke and carbon dioxide detectors.
  

Contact Health & Wellness at 313 833-7080

Lisa Saigh, RN  ) –  Ext 218                                                                                                                                                                         Anita Kanakaris, Healthy Aging Manager – Ext  

In the photo, St Pat RN Lisa Saigh administers a glucose screening to an attendee at a Health & Wellness gathering at the Kemeny Rec Center in Southwest Detroit.

The post Dozens of Programs – Live & Online first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

Both provide the latest schedule of all online and in-person classes and activities, as well as information about services and resources available in and around Detroit.

To view the current weekly newsletter, click HERE

To view the current calendar, click HERE

The post Current News & Calendar first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.