Senior Center to stay closed

Shuttered until spring because of COVID-19; new virtual programming planned for winter months, city announces

Mentor seniors are looking at more than a year without their center.

The Senior Center at 8484 Munson Road closed March 16, in light of government orders to limit gatherings due to the pandemic.

The city announced recently that the site would remain closed at least until April 1.

The move was made after consultation with Lake County General Health District officials, and upon recommendation from the Governor’s Office.

“This decision reflects ongoing concern for protecting the community’s highest risk population as we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic,” the announcement on the city’s website

says.

The center will continue to offer its daily curbside meal program as well as various virtual programs to help promote health and wellness.

“The City of Mentor will continue to work with the Lake County General Health District to facilitate the safe re-opening of the Mentor Senior Center to include proper testing procedures and protocol, staff training, and coordination with state and local health officials and hospitals,” the announcement reads.

“The seniors have been the most affected by this pandemic and they are missing the educational, social, health and wellness aspects of all we offer,” Mentor Parks & Recreation Director Kenn Kaminski said. “Hopefully, we can open safely for everyone who will be coming to the center.”

Virtual fitness programs, which began in November, have been attracting up to 30 people per class.

“The seniors are starting

to feel comfortable using the technology,” Kaminski said.

New online offerings are in the works for February and March, said center Recreation Manager Renee Ochaya.

The curbside meal pickup program continues to be popular with about 60 meals served per day, she said.

As of Oct. 17, Ohio senior centers were granted permission to reopen in phases under the Responsible RestartOhio plan. The city announced then that the center would remain closed through the end of 2020.

“With the dramatic increase in cases and deaths from COVID-19, it is very clear that the safest plan for our seniors is for them to stay home,” she said.

Prior to the pandemic, membership was at nearly 5,000 people. About 280 seniors visited the center daily, on average.

Renewal of memberships for 2021 will begin once there is a definitive date for reopening.

NEWS-HERALD FILE Mentor Senior Center served its first curbside pickup meals March 16. The center remains closed because of the coronavirus.