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Charles City Senior Center to close down until April 13

  • In what might be the last public event in Charles City for a few weeks, about 25 people at the Charles City Senior Center got in one last round of bingo Tuesday night before the center shuts down for a while. (Press photo James Grob.)

  • In what might be the last public event in Charles City for a few weeks, about 25 people at the Charles City Senior Center got in one last round of bingo Tuesday night before the center shuts down for a while. (Press photo James Grob.)

  • In what might be the last public event in Charles City for a few weeks, about 25 people at the Charles City Senior Center got in one last round of bingo Tuesday night before the center shuts down for a while. (Press photo James Grob.)

  • In what might be the last public event in Charles City for a few weeks, about 25 people at the Charles City Senior Center got in one last round of bingo Tuesday night before the center shuts down for a while. (Press photo James Grob.)

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

In what might be the last public event in Charles City for a few weeks, about 25 people at the Charles City Senior Center got in one last round of bingo Tuesday night before the center shuts down for a while.

“It’s kind of a sad time for all of us,” said Rose Lamprecht, who is site manager for the congregate meals at the center. “It’s a good social place, and people really watch out for one another.”

As of today, the congregate meals the center offers — along with programs and other events such as the weekly game of bingo — have been officially put on hold until April 13.

This is the first instance in memory that the center has been forced to close for any length of time, according to one Senior Center member.

Closing the center came in response to state and federal recommendations. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday ordered restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters and casinos to close for two weeks as part of a public health emergency plan designed to reduce the community spread of the coronavirus.

The proclamation prohibits social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure and sporting gatherings. It also bans events of more than 10 people including parades, festivals, conventions and fundraisers, in line with federal recommendations.

The regularly scheduled Tuesday night bingo game technically defied the ban, but no one complained.

Lamprecht said that the board at the Senior Center, which opened in June of 1985, considered providing mobile meals instead of the congregate meals, but decided not to. The logistics of having sack lunches picked up at the door would be too difficult, and home delivery would risk exposure to the virus.

For most people, the COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), older citizens are at a much higher risk of mortality if they should acquire COVID-19, especially if they have some pre-existing conditions.

The Senior Center provides a social hub in the community for people who might have no place to go otherwise. Many of the members have said that the Senior Center gives them a reason to get up in the morning, get dressed and get out of the house.

“It is a wonderful place for singles and couples who do not wish to cook or eat alone to meet and get an excellent meal at a reasonable price,” said Vonda Cummins, who serves as a co-secretary for the center’s board.

It costs just $10 to join, and some of the benefits include meals, available Monday through Friday, along with different programs available throughout the week.

On a typical Wednesday, a program might include a presentation or performance by a student group from the district, or someone from school administration. Sometimes public officials from the city or county will come to talk and answer questions, and sometimes a musical group will perform.

Members can also come and play pool anytime, participate in Tuesday night bingo, attend the annual Christmas party, and play card games such as 500 and Bridge. Members can also rent the center at a discounted rate. The center is used for bridal and baby showers and wedding and funeral receptions, among other events.

The center also provides a number of resources and activities for senior citizens, including blood pressure clinics, fitness classes, income tax counseling, congregate meals, holiday get-togethers and other programs.

Paid for by donations, the building is debt free, with no monthly mortgage. Monthly bills include utilities, maintenance, upkeep and insurance.

Lamprecht said she had advised the members Tuesday to stay healthy, take their temperatures, follow all the protocols and “if they get lonely, I suggested they call one another and talk. If we pull together, we can all get through this fairly easily.”

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