Double Springs re-opens senior center

DOUBLE SPRINGS - The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in March 2020, and shut down many businesses and gathering places for the safety of everyone. Perhaps one of those groups hurt the most was the senior citizens. Locally, many seniors looked forward to visits to the senior center, located at the Double Springs Community Center. For many, it was the highlight of their day, talking with fellow seniors, working on puzzles and eating some food.
After more than a year of being shut down, seniors were welcomed back Tuesday, Aug. 3, as the place was opened to the public.
“We’ve done a lot of cleaning and organizing,” Joanie Elliott, senior center manager, said who also mentioned the regular activities are on their way back, such as Bingo. “Kindred Hospice has called and will be coming to do Bingo. Activities are starting to get on the calendar. We have a pool room, a card room, a place to do puzzles and color, activities to get them engaged.”
Most of the men had congregated to the pool room upon the opening time, while most of the women were catching up in the main room.
“They like to talk,” Elliott laughed.
A curbside pick up service for food was still in the process throughout the pandemic and is continuing.
“We’re still letting them do curbside,” Elliott said. “If they want to pick it up and not come in, that is their option.”
Sara Moon is volunteering to help cater the food at the center. Besides Elliott, two others, Bobbie Moore and Patricia Townsend, are directed to help through the North Alabama Council of Local Governments.
To help welcome everyone back, local community supporter April Flake designed a welcome back sign which was placed on the lawn of the community center.
“I have had the pleasure of working with them on several occasions,” Flake said. “(The senior center) is seriously one of the biggest highlights of their life. Their fellowship is unique to see, and I’m so happy they are able to get back to what they love.”
Double Springs Mayor Elmo Robinson agrees with Flake.
“It means a lot to the seniors to have a place to come and gather,” Robinson said. “A lot of them stay home by themselves all day long. To be able to gather and talk with someone your own age, to socialize and play games, it means a lot to them. I’ve been delivering some of the meals to the outbound. Every one of them asked when we were going to get back to the meal site, so they were ready to come.”
A vaccination is not required to come to the site, though it is encouraged.
“Hopefully, all of them are vaccinated and won’t come down with anything,” Robinson stated.
Cake, chips and ice cream was served while entertainment was given by Hayden Pendergrass and Wesley Smith.