Members started showing up two hours early Wednesday, eagerly awaiting the official grand reopening for the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County. Closed to public activity since March 2020, the facility was packed with senior citizens ready to return both for the programs and the social interaction.
“Today is the big celebration and welcoming back,” said Becky Barnhart, Executive Director. “We’re having a great turnout … a whole lot more than I anticipated, which is wonderful.”
People were already outside at 8 a.m. despite the Center not opening until 10. Inside, several organizations had tables set up for a health fair — though several of the men quickly made their way to the pool tables to resume friendly competition that had been absent from the halls for more than a year.
Barnhart said it was obvious how important the reopening was for local seniors.
“You can just see that you sense the atmosphere,” she said. “Our senior citizens have waited the longest, and they’ve dealt the most with probably self-isolation and loneliness and being cut off. So everyone that’s come in has said ‘we’ve really missed this place,’ which I think is indicated by how many people showed up.”
Lucy Haire and her husband have been going to the Senior Center for about 10 years. She said when they walk through the doors her husband heads straight for the pool hall while she does her own thing.
She was grateful to be back, saying they had to find new things to do over the last year to keep themselves occupied.
“I’m a quilter, and I made COVID-19 quilt that’s the king size — that kept me from going crazy. My husband works puzzles,” she said. “I think it’s wonderful to be back.”
Though the Center was closed to the public, they still participated in the Meals on Wheels program.
“At our height we were delivering about 650 meals a day,” Barnhart said. “We’re still doing around 450-480.”
As they get back in the groove, programs offered will include chair and mat yoga, line dancing, crafts, bridge, bingo and more.
All activities are free for seniors (60+), but they must register to participate.
Registration can be done in person at the Center, located at 1650 W. 2nd St.
The building is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but Barnhart is hoping they can expand their hours soon.
