Senior center to reopen soon

The Newkirk Senior Center hopes to reopen sometime after the July 4 holiday with two air conditioning units on their way to cool down the building so it can be safely and comfortably used.
The center has been closed since mid-June after two of the facility’s three air conditioning units shot craps. The City Commission on June 22 considered three bids and went with Waldorf-Riley to replace the units at a cost of $28,600 including parts and labor.
Director Serena Welch said Tuesday that all three units are original to the 2009 building. The unit that cools the kitchen still works, but the two that cool the dining are do not.
Welch said she’s eager to reopen to once again provide that community space for seniors to connect and have fun.
“This is what it’s for, “she said. “Just to not be alone and have time with their friends. It’s heartbreaking, I’m ready for it to be over.”
Welch spoke about the center in her office at the building, where she continues to work.
“I have fans in here but it’s terrible,” she said.
Some seniors gather at the The Bakery for a coffee group, she said. Others are with family during the holiday week.
Welch said she is staying in touch with some seniors and has delivered items to those in need. When open, the center serves breakfasts on Mondays and lunches on Wednesdays and Fridays. It offers exercise and sewing class, holds band concerts, bingo and educational classes.
“Nothing’s going on inside the building,” she said. “I just call and check on them, see if they need anything.”