Clinton Senior Center Opens for Indoor Dining

The Clinton Senior Center has resumed indoor dining after more than a year of closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The center at 970 E Sedalia Ave will welcome adults 60 and older to dine indoors without masks beginning Monday, July 12, according to Henry County Services Director Kathy Wilson. It’s open from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meals are provided for people 60 and older for a suggested contribution of $4.50; the center cannot make change. Updated menus include some new items such chicken Margherita, garlic and herb shrimp, and penne primavera as well as traditional favorites such as meatloaf and fried chicken. Call (660) 885-3482 or visit goaging.org to get a current menu.
Transportation is available by calling the Area Transit Service (ATS) at 660-885-3114.
The center still offers curbside pickup of meals for those who are not ready to dine in. To receive a curbside meal, please call the center by 10 a.m. The center also delivers meals weekly to homebound older adults. Wilson also is recruiting volunteers to deliver meals and help in the kitchen and dining room.
The full opening followed a soft opening beginning July 6 to test safety protocols; the resumption of indoor dining has been well received.
“So far, people have enjoyed being back in to see each other,” Wilson said. “It’s been awesome to see folks in the center and to get to visit with them a little longer than if they pick up a curbside meal. We are catching up on what’s been going on for the past year. “
Wilson said she plans add regularly scheduled events such as exercise classes (which are offered virtually this summer), card games and other recreational activities.
Care Manager Roy Qualls will be available at the center by appointment. Qualls can connect older adults with benefits and answer a variety of questions on topics ranging from Medicare and property tax rebates to housing and family caregiving. To make an appointment, call (660) 885-3482.
Center guests will notice fewer tables than before and a request for social distancing when they are getting their meals. While the mandatory use of masks and temperature taking have been halted, visitors, staff and volunteers still will be requested to answer health questions about COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
Staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks while clients are in the building. Home-delivered meal drivers will be required to wear masks, sanitize hands between clients, and stay socially distanced during the delivery of meals.