RHINELANDER - The Oneida County Department on Aging officially opened its brand new doors to the public today.

One program it offers could be important for an aging Northwoods population.

"I always say the stars aligned when this building was offered because it so perfectly meets our needs," says the Department's Director Diane Jacobson.

The Department on Aging moved a mile closer to town from its old location on Thayer Street, to a building right next to Trigs.

"The older adult population is growing. Our old building, all though in a beautiful location, didn't have sufficient parking, or safe parking, or the kind of program space that we need," says Jacobson.

The money's been raised over the past six years. One donation in particular made this move possible. A local couple made an anonymous donation of $100,000.

"And so today we're announcing the identity, is Delores, or 'Del' Link, as her friends knew her, and her husband Ray Link," says Jacobson.

One program at the new Senior Center could help a big portion of the driving population in the Northwoods: an AARP Safe Driving course.

"We run into left turn problems, we run into yielding problems, we run into depth-perception problems. And that's all a physical happening of getting older," says volunteer AARP instructor Bob Walsh.

You don't have to be seeing the effects of aging just yet... the course is open to all ages as a refresher.

"A refresher in driving is always good. We felt that, we live in the country and don't drive as much as we used to. So it gives us a chance to refresh ourselves," says Mark Anderson, from Tomahawk.

And if it's time to hang up the keys for good....

"It's like any older adult issue. Our new Aging and Disability Resource Center has staff that can give people options and information for what they can do," says Jacobson.

The class is at the Senior Center every few months. If you'd like to sign up call the Center, and they'll let you know when the next class is. 715-369-6170

Story By: Lyndsey Stemm