🥫 Foodbanks & Pantries: Because no one should ever have to choose between medicine and dinner.

🎨 Fun Things to Do: Clubs, classes, and community events that keep your heart and humor alive.

🛒 Helping Hands: Food Banks, Friendship & Finding Joy in Community

Retirees and Disabled People — this one’s for you!
Life doesn’t stop being joyful when the budget tightens — it just takes a community. Whether you’re looking for help, a reason to smile, or a way to give back, this is your reminder: you belong right here with us.

🍞 Local Food Banks & Community Support

The ongoing government shutdown has left many families struggling — and with SNAP benefits ending Nov. 1, thousands across the Carolinas are wondering where their next meal will come from.

Here’s how we help each other through it 👇

• Use the food banks listed below — they’re open and ready to serve.

• Share this post — someone in your circle might need it today.

• Join me near Cherry Park — I’m exploring how to start a neighborhood pantry for anyone in need. If you’d like to help, please reach out! 💛

Because helping one another isn’t charity — it’s democracy in action.

📍Food Banks Near You:
You can find a full list of South Carolina and Charlotte-area food banks [here ➡️ interactive map link].
(A few examples: HOPE of Rock Hill, Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, Fort Mill Care Center, Chester Ministerial Association Food Pantry.)

Major networks are listed below

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

• Loaves and Fishes

• Crisis Assistance Ministry

🌻 Staying Active & Connected

Pretzel Tells Nuggets wants to be more than just a voice — we’re a community of helpers and lifelong learners.
Your physical and mental health matter every bit as much as your vote!

👟 Rock Hill Lifelong Learning offers programs for anyone 50+ — from cooking and creative writing to history and fitness.

🎨 OWLS Club (Older Wiser Loving Seniors) — a wonderful mix of dance, art, games, and laughter.

🏓 Ping-Pong, Line Dancing, and Zumba Gold classes are open now — come laugh your way to better health!

📚 Contact:
York County Department of Aging — (803) 684-6115
Lancaster County Department of Aging — (803) 285-6956

💬 Closing Thought

When we show up — whether it’s sharing canned goods, checking on a neighbor, or

dancing at the community center — we’re proving that democracy isn’t just a system. It’s a shared heartbeat.

If you’re hungry, lonely, or just looking for purpose — we’ve got room for you at the table. 💛

https://www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/file/agency-downloads/Charlotte-Pantry-List.pdf

🩺 Helpful Resources: Local organizations that make life easier — from healthcare to housing to learning opportunities.

🎨 Fun Things to Do: Clubs, classes, and community events that keep your heart and humor alive.

Growing Old Doesn't Stop Learning

Rock Hill offers Lifelong Learning programs for seniors age 50+12. These programs include a variety of courses and workshops covering topics such as history, religion, science, cooking, literature, writing, pop culture, physical fitness, and current events2. Rock Hill Adult Education also provides opportunities for building academic and employment skills, including GED® diploma preparation3.

Contact

York County Department of Aging

14 North Congress Street, York, SC 29745

803-684-6115

Nearby Department of Aging

• Lancaster County Department of Aging

  309 Plantation Road, Lancaster, SC 29720

  803-285-6956

• Newberry County Department of Aging

  311 Main St, Whitmire, SC 29178

  803-694-2828

• Fairfield County Department of Aging

  210 East Washington Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180

  803-635-3015

• Columbia Department of Aging

  1301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201

  803-734-9900

• Ambulance

• Assisted Living & Nursing Home

• Cemetery

• Department of Aging

• Health Department

• Pharmacy

Pets AdoptionFree Legal AiClassified Ads ListinCriminal Records SearcOfficial Records D

Senior Adult and Travel

News: Senior Health Fair - Seeking Vendors

We're seeking vendors to share information and services for seniors at the Rock Hill Senior Health Fair on Sept. 25 from 10 AM to Noon at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center. Learn more about being a vendor HERE.

Save the date and look for more information to be posted soon about this free event for senior adults on Sept. 25!

OWLS Club (Older Wiser Loving Seniors)

We offer an assortment of activities for senior adults including exercise, dance, art, games, sports activities, parties, guest speakers and special events. All are welcome to attend any activity, although for some, pre-registration and payment is required. Many activities take place at Boyd Hill Recreation Center. Check the latest OWLS Newsletter to learn more. The PRT Calendar has many fun activities; and if you're on Facebook, look for our group page. OWLS Club coordinators are Donna Smarr and Jon Shea.

Lifelong Learning @ Rock Hill

Lifelong Learning @ Rock Hill is a continuing education program of excellence and diversity for all adults to learn, develop new interests, and explore ideas in an ever-increasing circle of friends within Rock Hill and the greater community. Anyone age 50+ may participate in a variety of two to eight-week, interactive courses and one-time workshops, lectures or events. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including history, religion, science, cooking, literature, writing, pop culture, physical fitness and current events. Krista Hayes is the Program Coordinator.

Travel Opportunities

Trips are geared to adults of all ages and vary from local/day trips to multi-day trips across the US and the globe. Updates will be made as new information becomes available.

• Fall 2025 Trips: Information coming soon on these destinations/events: West Jefferson, NC Cherokee & Bryson City, NC The Southern Christmas Show, Charlotte, NC The Nutcracker, Charlotte, NC Old Salem & Tanglewood, Winston-Salem, NC.

• April 2026: British Landscapes - April 14-24, 2026. Join us as we visit England, Scotland and Wales. Trip highlights include Edinburgh Castle, York, Chester, Conwy Castle, Oxford & London. Waitlist Registrations Currently Being Taken

• Learn more and sign up HERE

  • Contact Patti Panetti with questions.

Hello!!

I am your one-stop shop for all Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism events and programs. Click on me to stay up-to-date.

OWLS Club Meeting

Monthly OWLS Club meetings are held at 1 PM on the first Thursday of each month at McGirt Auditorium, 801 Crawford Road, Rock Hill, SC.

Upcoming Dates
May 1
June 5
July - No meeting

Summer Programming Changes

The following programs will be moved to Northside Recreation Center (900 Annafrel St.) beginning June 9, 2025.

• Table Tennis (M & W, 9 AM – Noon)

• Dominoes (M, 1:30 PM – 4 PM)

• Zumba Gold (W, 2 PM – 3 PM)

• Line Dancing (Th, 2 PM – 3:30 PM)