LAKE ELSINORE -- When the Lake Elsinore Senior Activity Center's old piano was professionally tuned about five years ago, the technician told center officials not to bother getting it tuned again, that it was beyond help.

"It was in such bad shape," Arline Gulbransen, coordinator of senior services at the center, said of the piano. "It was ancient."

Thanks to some local contributions, it's out with the old at the senior center.

A new piano was unveiled at the center's "Winter Wonderland" party Dec. 12, paid for by a $2,500 donation from the Wells Fargo Bank in the Vons store on Grape Street, and a $1,400 donation from the Golden Spectrum Club, a group that supports the center.

The piano's debut was greeted with cheers and smiles, and it has been a popular item at the center ever since, Gulbransen said.

"I think some people might have been offended by the old one," she said. "We have a couple people playing now who have never played before."

The piano sits in the center's main hall. It's used for performances or for the amusement of those who play, Gulbransen said. Now, center officials are considering offering piano lessons.

"This gives us an opportunity to expand our programming," she said.

The center, at 420 E. Lakeshore Drive, already offers a variety of services, including morning refreshments, lunch, bingo, art classes, health programs, income tax assistance, exercise clubs, card games, educational lectures, dancing, seasonal parties and field trips.

"We may be a small operation, but we keep 'em busy," Gulbransen said.

About 50 to 100 people take advantage of the center's offerings each day, she said.

As for the donations, Gulbransen said the center's patrons know they are fortunate.

"We are a lucky group of people, because we have a community that totally supports this senior center," she said. "The seniors realize it and appreciate it."