By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays Senior Center has a new manager and is trying to relaunch its slate of programs.
Ray Makings was named the new part-time manager at the end of September. Prior to his hiring, Makings was a volunteer delivery driver for the center's meal service.
The senior center, 2450 E. Eighth, was closed except for meal service from March 2020 through October 2020. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and is geared toward residents 60 and older.
Makings said the hours could be expanded if the number of participates and activities increase.
The center follows COVID guidelines as released by the Ellis County Health Department.
"We want to open this place up," Guy Windholz, board president, said. "There is a high demand for socialization. People want to mingle with their friends. They want to play cards."
Before the pandemic, the center had 40 to 60 people who were attending events on a regular basis. Today, they have about 15.
The pandemic has isolated many seniors, Windholz said.
"Socialization is a mentally healthy thing to do, and people are desperate for that," Windholz said.
Jane Dopheid, board secretary, said she knows what it's like to feel alone.
"We want people to feel like they have a place to go and visit with people and get out of their homes," she said.
"I know what it's like because my husband passed away last year in January, not from COVID, but when you're all alone ... I don't suffer from it that much, but I know people who do. They're just heartsick."
The center already has a variety of activities in which seniors can participate, including bingo, bridge, dominoes and pinochle. It has the ability to accommodate other card and board games. General activities like card games or bingo don't require reservations. Special events may require an RSVP.
The center has a pool table and tables set up for puzzles.
In the past the center has had regular celebrations, including parties for St. Patrick's Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Makings said he hopes to invite musical groups to play or sing at the center, offer a class on using technology or dance classes.
The center in the past has also invited children to read with the adults.
Makings and the senior center board is seeking ideas of what activities their peers would like to see at the senior center. You can contact Makings at 785-628-6644.
Volunteers needed
The center has had volunteers visit the center to provide blood pressure checks. Makings said he would like to see that expanded to a regular offering or perhaps a larger health fair for seniors.
The center is seeking volunteers who may want to host other activities or classes for the seniors.
Meals
The Hays Senior Center participates in a hot meals program through the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging. However, the meals are prepared in Russell.
The senior center board would like to be able to prepare the meals at and distribute them from the Hays Senior Center. However, Ray said the program would need more volunteers to do so.
Meals cost $3.50 per senior, but seniors will not be refused meals for inability to pay. Seniors can have meals delivered or eat at the center. You will need to call a day in advance to reserve your meal. Guests younger than 60 can eat with seniors. Cost is $6.50.
The center is averaging about 16 people eating on site Mondays through Fridays. Another 80 meals are being delivered in the community.
Menus are read daily on the KAYS Morning Show 1400 AM or 94.3 FM. Monthly menus are also available at the senior center.
Limited funding
The senior center is a non-profit. It receives funds from the United Way of Ellis County, the City of Hays and Ellis County. Beyond that, the center has a limited ability to raise funds, Windholz said.
Local businesses have donated small gifts to be used as bingo door prizes, and the center always welcomes other donations.
The center board members have considered renting the facility for events.
The future
The Hays Senior Center board has been in discussions with Grow Hays, which is looking for an investor for a housing development for retirees near HaysMed.
One option would be to move the senior center from its current building on Old Highway 40 to the more central location on Canterbury.
The senior center has a yearly lease for the building it's in now.
Windholz said the current location is not ideal because it isn't centrally located and its located off a busy highway, which can be an issue for some older drivers.