The Haines Senior Center will resume its in-person lunch service on July 11 for the first time since the pandemic closure started in March 2020.
“We’ve been closed for so long, and people need to get back to their daily lives,” said Cari Zimbrich O’Daniel, senior center site manager.
The lunches, which are open to anyone over the age of 60, will be held Monday through Thursday beginning at noon. A $4 per-person donation is requested, and rides are available to those who call ahead of time. The center will not require proof of vaccination or covid testing.
“Most of us are so happy that it’s finally opening up,” said Marilyn Wilson, who attended the lunches faithfully pre-pandemic. “We need the socialization. And they do cook good meals.”
She said the lack of covid screening measures doesn’t trouble her.
Mardell Gunn, who was on the senior center’s board for many years, said she is “thrilled” that the lunch program, which she considers a “vital service,” will be running again.
“I’ve been concerned (about seniors) during covid,” she said.
Greg Goodman worked for four summers as a driver for the center, and he agreed about the importance of social contact for seniors. He said he thinks the benefits of “closeness to other people” outweigh covid risks.
Before March 2020, the center was delivering five or six meals a day to seniors in the community. At the start of the pandemic, when the entire lunch service became delivery-only, Goodman reported that that number increased to 30 or 40 a day.
Deliveries will continue until July 28, after which they will be available only to those unable to attend in person for medical reasons. To sign up for the lunches, call 766-2383.
Zimbrich O’Daniel also said the center is looking for volunteers to lead activities. She said seniors have expressed special interest in painting, beadwork and other crafts.