The Hughes News: August 17, 2026

There is never a shortage of laughs, activities or friendly faces at the Hughes Senior Center, and this week’s episode of Hughes News proved it once again.

Bob and Debbie were back at the Hughes Center, located at 460 W. Fifth Street in Lebanon, with a look at what has been happening around the center and a preview of a very busy week ahead.

The episode was recorded on August 13, which also happened to be National Left-Handers Day. That gave Bob, a proud left-hander, an opportunity to celebrate.

“If you haven’t sent in your cards or your gifts or your monetary donations to me yet, you can send them care of Debbie,” Bob joked.

Debbie quickly decided she may just start calling him “Lefty.”

From there, the pair turned their attention to what really keeps the Hughes Center busy: good food, plenty of activities and a community that knows how to have fun.

Movies, Bingo and a Busy Week Ahead

The Hughes Center recently showed The Sheep Detectives, drawing a big crowd and plenty of laughter.

Debbie said she could hear people “hooting and hollering and laughing” while watching the movie.

The bingo games have apparently been a little more intense.

Bob and Debbie jokingly described it as “full-contact bingo,” with new bingo cards only adding to the excitement.

The coming week will turn things up another notch with two big days of entertainment back-to-back.

On Wednesday, August 19, the center will celebrate its monthly birthday lunch with Monty Luke performing. The celebration includes fried chicken, birthday cake, music, dancing and recognition of everyone celebrating an August birthday.

Then on Thursday, August 20, it is time to break out the poodle skirts for a 1950s-style Sock Hop featuring the Boomer Brothers.

The big hall will be decorated for the occasion, with music, dancing, giveaways, raffles, snacks and prizes.

With the August heat hanging around, Debbie had a simple suggestion: come enjoy the air conditioning and have some fun.

New Mahjong Lessons Coming

The Hughes Center is also adding Mahjong lessons for anyone interested in learning the game.

Two teachers will be available to help newcomers learn, and those interested are encouraged to stop by the center and sign up.

Debbie did offer one warning for people who think they already know how to play because they have played a version on their phone or tablet.

“It’s not the same game like you play on the phone,” she explained.

The in-person version requires a little more concentration, but Debbie said the current players have a great time with it.

Lessons are planned for Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 p.m.

Lunch Menu and Activities for August 17-21

Lunch is served at the Hughes Center Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The suggested contribution is $5 for guests age 60 and older. Meals are $7 for those under 60 and $3 for children 12 and younger.

Along with the daily meal, guests can enjoy the salad bar, soup, beverages, desserts and, perhaps most importantly, the ice cream machine.

Here is what is happening during the week of August 17 through August 21:

Monday, August 17

Lunch features chicken Alfredo, pasta, garlic bread, roasted broccoli and fruit.

Bob, however, decided “Chicken Alfredo” was far too fancy and renamed the meal “Chicken Fred.”

Activities include quilting at 9 a.m. and karaoke in the coffee shop at noon.

Tuesday, August 18

The menu includes Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, country blend vegetables, a roll and fruit.

Mahjong begins at 9 a.m., followed by bingo and Next Playground at noon. New Mahjong lessons are scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 19

It is Birthday Lunch Day!

The center will serve oven-fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, a roll, birthday cake and fruit.

Exercise begins at 9 a.m., Bible study is at 10:15 a.m., and Monty Luke begins performing at 11 a.m.

Anyone celebrating an August birthday is especially encouraged to join the fun.

Thursday, August 20

Lunch includes pork tenderloin, a loaded baked potato, coleslaw and fruit.

Mahjong begins at 9 a.m., followed by the big Sock Hop at 11 a.m. with the Boomer Brothers.

Guests are encouraged to dress for the 1950s theme and enjoy dancing, giveaways, raffles, snacks and prizes.

Friday, August 21

Friday’s menu includes pulled chicken, a Hawaiian roll, hash brown casserole, glazed carrots and fruit.

The center also brings out the toppings on Fridays so guests can build their own ice cream sundaes.

Activities include Samba at 9 a.m., the music jam at 11:45 a.m. and an evening dance featuring Lost Highway at 7 p.m.

Doors for the dance open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5, with admission for children 12 and younger at $3.

September Is Already Looking Busy

While August still has plenty happening, Debbie is already working on new activities for September.

Among the plans is a new exercise activity involving exercise balls and drumsticks, giving participants a chance to get moving while drumming.

Painting classes are also coming, including a canvas painting class and a fall-themed class featuring painted pumpkins.

Then there is one activity that even caught Bob off guard.

Someone has approached the center about starting a belly dancing class.

“I told her, ‘I don’t know how well that’ll go. Somebody might slip a hip or something,’” Debbie joked.

Still, if there is enough interest, they are willing to give it a try.

The center also continues to offer cards, puzzles, board games, pool tables and plenty of opportunities to simply sit down with someone and visit.

Volunteers Are Needed

Behind all the fun is a group of volunteers who help keep the Hughes Center and its programs running.

The center is currently looking for additional volunteers, particularly for its Meals on Wheels program.

Volunteers are also needed to help in the kitchen, work at the front desk and assist with other activities around the center.

Recent illness and an injury to one of the regular Meals on Wheels drivers have made additional help especially valuable.

Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact or stop by the Hughes Center to learn more.

Take a Guess and Win

Visitors also have another reason to stop by.

A candy jar is currently sitting inside the Hughes Center, and guests can guess how many pieces of candy are inside for a chance to win a $10 Wendy’s gift card.

There is one important rule: guesses have to be submitted in person.

No Facebook guesses allowed.

The idea is simple. Stop in, say hello, grab a cup of coffee, take a look around and make your guess.

Come See What the Hughes Center Is All About

The Hughes Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and visitors do not have to come for lunch to participate in activities.

In fact, Debbie said the center welcomed around five new people just this week.

Whether it is lunch, karaoke, bingo, dancing, Mahjong, music, pool, exercise, painting or simply finding someone to talk with, the center has something happening throughout the week.

And as Bob and Debbie reminded everyone during this week’s show:

“What happens at the Hughes Center stays at the Hughes Center.”

Why?

“Well, that’s likely because we can’t remember it once we go out the doors.”

The Hughes News is hosted by Bob and Debbie and made possible with support from Garner Smith Insurance, Phoenix Home Care & Hospice and Lebanon Now.

For more information about activities, meals, volunteering or programs at the Hughes Senior Center, call 417-532-3040 or stop by 460 W. Fifth Street in Lebanon.