101-Year-Old Woman Helps Bring Senior Center To Bartlesville

A 101-year-old woman in Bartlesville is being recognized for her work bringing a senior center to town!

"I can come three days a week and exercise. I can come 4 days a week and line dance," said 55 Plus Activity Center member, Debby Lucas. 

Getting older doesn't mean life has to slow down.

"How long have you been a member here?" asked News On 6 Reporter, Sawyer Buccy. 

"Since 1994," said a long-time friend of Loretta Chaney and member of 55 Plus Activity Center, John Koster. 

In fact, the men, and women at the 55 Plus Activity Center in Bartlesville stay busy!

"I like to dance with the good dancers," said 101-Year-Old Loretta Chaney, laughing. 

101-year-old Loretta Chaney is the club's founder!

"She dances with all new members who come out and guests that come out she will go up to them and say, 'Dance with me!'" said Koster, "She wants to see people get involved."

Loretta started the club with her late husband decades ago. 

"He was active with her, but he was very, very quiet," said Koster. 

"That weekend- the first weekend in November of 1990- 600 people joined," said Chaney. 

She says they wanted to open a place that made all senior citizens- from couples to singles- feel safe and welcome and as Loretta will tell you....

"That it is their second home- and many of them do," said Chaney. 

Members have created their own family here- they check in on each other, have a workout, spend hours visiting! The relationships are genuine.

"Everybody looks after everybody," said Lucas. 

Loretta has danced all over the world and has the medals to prove it. Her age hasn't slowed her down one bit---she still goes to weekly Wednesday night dances at the center.

"She calls me up and says, 'John! Come up to the center, I want to dance with you!'" said Koster. 

In fact, her dancing partners and friends are the ones who contacted News On 6, wanting to recognize Loretta for the joy the center, has brought into their lives. Loretta will tell you- she is having just as much fun.

"It has brought me all these friends that I have," said Chaney.