OLD LYME — Lymes’ Senior Center is undergoing a carefully-planned phased opening with the safety of everyone at the Center paramount at all times. May and June were very successful months with a combination of outdoor programs, services, and entertainment offered.
One hundred and fifty five people visited the Center in person over the month of May and Stephanie Gould, Director of the Center, comments enthusiastically, ” It has been great to see people enjoy the in-person programs and services again.”
She adds, “We also continue to offer virtual programs, in which approximately 500 people participated in May.”
Gould notes, “My hope in enacting the phased opening is that it will give people much-needed opportunities to see and be with each other all while keeping people safe.”
After conferring with other Senior Centers regarding their reopening plans and keeping in mind the Lymes’ Senior Center’s own building limitations, Gould explains, “After the 4th of July holiday, we moved to our next reopening phase by bringing certain programs and services that can be socially-distanced inside. Masks and preregistration continue to be required.”
By the end of July, air filters will have been installed in the remaining four heat pumps. At that point, the whole building will be serviced with air purifiers and Merv filters.
One change to the old policy is that if you are fully vaccinated, you will no longer be required to wear masks outside, although you always can do so if you wish.
Gould comments, “We hope to be targeting other, non-socially distanced programs to return indoors starting Aug. 9. Masks and preregistration will still be required. These programs will include cards, Wii, movies, and so forth.”
Meanwhile, larger entertainment events will still be held outside through the fall.
It is anticipated that in-person meals will return to the Center sometime this fall, possibly in September. The precise date of return will be determined by the Estuary Senior Center and the local Area Agency on Aging. Gould notes, “In the meantime, we are offering a few outdoor lunch opportunities in July and August to get people together, which will be held outside under the tent.”
Gould expressed her thanks to everyone for their patience, “… while we work to safely get our Senior Center back to the lively, happening place that it was pre-pandemic.”