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Senior Spotlight: Norm Conti

Norm Conti: An Advocate for Seniors in Gilchrist County

If you spend any time at the Senior Center in Trenton, you’re bound to meet Norm Conti. In fact, you probably won’t just meet him—you’ll see him in action, helping someone into a car, decorating for the season, or making sure a fellow senior gets the support they need. Norm isn’t just a volunteer; he’s a connector and a problem solver.

Normi Conti at the Trention Senior Center
Conti shares the Trenton Senior Center Volunteer Recognition Wall

Conti’s journey as a volunteer started when the president of the local AARP chapter, needed someone to step up. He didn’t hesitate. He was assigned the role of health educator, and it quickly turned into a leadership position. Alongside his wife Nancy—who became the chapter secretary—Norm helped grow the AARP chapter from 25 members to an impressive 200 members.

As an Elder Options Advisory Board member, Conti advocated for Gilchrist County seniors. In 2009, he shifted focus and joined the board of the Suwannee River Economic Council (SREC). He saw potential in the Trenton Senior Center and got to work planning activities. The center welcomes up to 100 seniors weekly with meals, transportation, and activities like tai chi and bingo.

Conti has formed countless community partnerships to benefit the people who visit the Trenton Senior Center. From food giveaways to fresh fruit and snacks from local vendors, if Conti sees something that may bring a smile to the faces of seniors, he will get it. Mr. Richard Esseck, Board President of Elder Options stated,” He lives and breathes for the seniors here.”

He understands the need for connection, especially for those who have lost a spouse. “At the senior center, we’re all third wheels,” he says with a chuckle. “We all want someone around, and we can be that for each other.” He also knows that sharing a meal is more than just eating, it’s about belonging. “I think people get tired of sitting alone at home to eat,” he explains. “When they sit down and have a meal together here, and see the same people every week, it gives them a feeling that they belong.”

During my interview with Conti, people kept walking in seeking advice – a woman looking for canned apples he had saved to bake a pie for the center, a senior needing help with a traffic ticket. I watched as Norm drew a map to the DMV and gave the senior the name of an employee there. No matter the need, Conti listened and found a way to help.

When offering advice on starting to volunteer, Conti emphasized the importance of choosing something that feels right for you. “Some people can play piano, others might like to call bingo.”  The key is to find what you enjoy and use it to serve others.

At 86, Norm Conti stepped down from his board position at SREC last year, but he hasn’t slowed down one bit. He is dedicated to finding new ways to keep seniors active and engaged – whether it’s organizing holiday meals or fun activities. For Conti, it’s all about bringing people together.. “My favorite thing is to see the room full of people having a good time.”  When asked why he does it, his answer is simple, “We all need someone”

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