CL Senior Center slowly opening back up

Out of restriction and caution, COVID-19 had completely shut down the Canyon Lake Senior Center for the past year. The social group that was accustomed to myriad activities at the center, spent the last year safely distancing themselves from others in their own homes. Last week, the gradual reopening of the center began.

It’s not just the senior participants who have missed socializing at the center. The volunteers have also missed their senior friends and the activities they helped put on for years there.

Kathy Barbay has been volunteering and participating at the senior center since 2002 and serves as a co-chair on the board.

“It has been really hard to have the senior center closed for the whole year, but things are getting better,” Kathy said. “I miss volunteering and setting up for the boutique, New Years’ Eve celebrations and our Christmas party.”

Kathy was inspired to volunteer at the senior center because she enjoys spending her time there.

“I participate in the activities and have enjoyed the activities for many years,” she said.  “I really just wanted to give back to the community.”

Ron Kelly is also another active volunteer at the center and is a member on the board as well.

“I’ve been volunteering and participating at the center for 10 years,” Ron said. “I like to help out the community. I hope the activities we’ve put on throughout the years will resume. In the future, I would like to expand activities and serve the community on a large scale. I hope we can address all the needs of the senior community.”

The reopened Senior Center is open again, but with limited capacity. Masks are required and social distancing is also recommended. Large events or gatherings such as Bingo and Potlucks are not yet permitted, but smaller gatherings are beginning to take place.