By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
When Wyoming resident Barb Hoover learned that the Wyoming Senior Center would reopen on March 8, she was one of the first people to walk through the doors.
“It was fabulous,” Hoover said with a smile on her face as she waited for the walking club program to start. it was her second visit to the facility within three days. “It is a different thing to be able to walk in and participate with others”
“It is nice to see people and socialize and be able to talk to people your own age,” said Wyoming resident Lee Wilholit. “It is great to be able to get out and see how others are doing.”
For Wyoming resident Tina Packer, she couldn’t wait to take advantage of some of the services the center offers to seniors.
“It is especially nice when you can come and get help with something like your taxes,” Packer said. “My husband can’t get around as much so it is great that I am able to come in here and someone is able to help us because I don’t know a thing about taxes.”
It’s been four months since the facility closed for the second statewide shutdown, which took place in November.
“Everyday the phones would ring,” said Wyoming Senior Center Director Chad Boprie. “Even more so when some else would announce they would be offering bingo.”
Bingo still will not be taking place but other popular programs such as bean bag baseball, needles and yarn, ping pong, painting club, technology club, rubber stamping, bike club, and the walking club are happening as well as the game room is open. Pre-registration is required for all programs with capacity capped at 25. The game room has two pool tables open by appointment.
“I am really glad to be back into the swing of things,” said Wyoming resident Joel Anderson, who is a volunteer lead for the center’s walking club and bike club as well as president of the Fellowship Club.
“This is the time of year when all of my activities start to ramp up so it’s nice to be able to have the center open,” Anderson said.
Attendance has been small, but Boprie said that is OK. The decision was made to have a soft opening before ramping up the activities.
Last summer, when the center was able to reopen after the first statewide shutdown, its patios and parking lots were utilized for program activities to help maintain the required social distancing. Boprie said staff plans to do the same this spring and summer.
“Basically, every spot that wasn’t doing much became a place of activity,” Boprie said. “If it had a concrete space, we began to utilize it.”
There are a few things not open such as the coffee shop, which Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin said they hope to open soon once they have more guidance from the state. Until then, food and beverages will not be sold.
But that is OK, said Wyoming resident Norine Shae because her reason for coming back centers on “being active and having some fun.”
Wyoming resident Theresa Morse smiles and then adds “You take it all for grant until it is gone.”
The Wyoming Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday. For more information, call 616-530-3190 or visit the center’s website.
