"It keeps you busy and you won't go nuts," she says. "Some people stay home and they just mope. I don't have time for that."

The pool rooms also provide socializing space--where the men hang out, according to McGrady.

Others come to learn, McGrady says. Many guests are immigrants who want to take English as a second language classes. Others, like members of the Russian group, want to learn about American history.

Still others take classes in "cooking for one," which teaches seniors accustomed to cooking for an entire family to prepare meals while living alone.

Meanwhile, modern-minded senior citizens are jumping at the chance to acquire computer literacy.

"It's interesting how some groups want to be more intellectual, whereas some want to do more socializing," McGrady says.

McGrady says the center welcomes volunteers, adding that volunteer teaching positions are available for many of the center's classes.

The Cambridge Senior Center supersedes the Pearl Street Center, which Ash describes as "a grim institution." Ash calls the center long-overdue, especially because many towns in the area have already established well-equipped senior centers.

Still, Mary J. Costello, a social worker for the Windsor House Adult Day Care program, has nothing but praise for the new center.

A branch of Windsor House operates in the basement of the center, providing activities and assistance for senior citizens requiring part-time care.

"Cambridge is really good to its elderly," Costello says.