FITCHBURG — As businesses across the city reopen, Senior Center Executive Director Joan Goodwin is weighing her options carefully before welcoming residents back amid the pandemic.
“We don’t have a date set for reopening yet,” Goodwin said. “I am working with state and city officials to figure out what’s going to be in the best interest of our community and our seniors.”
Goodwin said it’s important to remain cautious and to consider everything before letting seniors return to the building at 14 Wallace Ave.
“We’re going to take it slow and we want to be sure we do it right,” she said.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease and other diseases are the most at-risk group if a coronavirus outbreak were to occur.
Goodwin said the health and safety of seniors is her first priority, adding that she’s committed to protecting the city’s most vulnerable population.
She said the Senior Center is ready for residents whenever the decision is made to allow them back.
“Our rooms are ready, completely cleaned, and disinfected,” she said. “We staked out 6-foot areas for social distancing in all of our rooms, including the big hall. We’re really ready to go, but working to follow the state and municipal guidelines.”
When residents return, Goodwin said it will be a “whole new normal.”
Residents will be screened prior to entering the building, their temperatures will be taken, and they’ll be asked if they’ve had contact with COVID-19 positive individuals.
Despite the closed doors, she said the Senior Center has been effectively open since March 16.
“Our building might be closed but we’re still taking phone calls every day, giving out information and supporting seniors,” she said.
The senior center is also hosting virtual programs like Zumba fitness courses, concerts, sing-alongs, and information sessions. Residents are also being offered grab-and-go lunches three times a week, she said.
“We’ll continue to add layers of services as we move forward,” Goodwin said.
On Friday, July 17, the center will be hosting a jazz concert in front of the building at 10 a.m.
Goodwin said people can sit in the park and listen to the jazz music by Clyde Wheatley, a Holden resident, and the event will include coffee and other refreshments.
Residents are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing during the concert.
