The Cole Camp Senior Center has resumed indoor recreational and fitness opportunities and dining after more than a year of closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a “soft opening” to work out glitches, the center is operating at reduced capacity, but welcoming adults 60 and older to dine indoors without masks, according to Janis Garren, Coordinator of the center at 206 E. Junge St. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
Folks who need transportation to the center may call OATS 1-800-276-6287 to arrange a ride.
As people return to the Cole Camp center, they will notice a completely renovated building, as well as freshly cooked meals. Before, Cole Camp’s meals were brought in from Warsaw.
Such soft openings are set to occur throughout June in several senior centers as each of the coordinators tweak safety protocols, said Deb Krieger, Regional Services Coordinator.
For now, the Cole Camp center still offers curbside pickup of meals. Garren said people may call the center at 660-668-2352 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and pick up a meal by 11:30 a.m.
Center guests will notice fewer tables than before, as well as a request for social distancing when they are in line for their meals. Visitors, staff and volunteers still will be requested to answer health questions about COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
All the usual activities will be allowed, including exercise classes five days a week, and bingo.
Benton County Care Manager Dee Locke will be at the Cole Camp Senior Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and can meet with people by appointment. Call 660-438-3300 ext. 3 for an appointment.
The center will update goaging.org and Facebook pages as it adds activities.
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.
The Cole Camp Senior Center is one of 21 locations operated by Care Connection in 13 West Central Missouri counties: Bates, Benton, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Henry, Hickory, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Saline, St. Clair, and Vernon. For more information, visit www.goaging.org or call 1-800-748-7826.
