Plum Community Center reopens after more than a year of covid closure

Doris Morris could hardly hold in her excitement.

The Plum senior, like many in the borough, had been waiting with anticipation for the doors of the community center at 499 Center-New Texas Road to reopen after being shuttered due to the pandemic.

After a major renovation including air purifiers in each room, new floors, paint, outdoor patio upgrades and sanitation stations, in-person programs resumed in early July.

“We’re all happy,” said Morris, 88. “We’ve been waiting. Everybody’s excited. I’ve been there seven years. We still exercised through the covid because they had us on Zoom — whoever could get on it.”

Morris frequently participates in the Silver Sneakers exercise program and plays cards with her friends at the center.

“It’s a place for us to go,” she said. “We feel safe there. The people are very good to us. They’re very nice to us. I’m only 10 minutes away. It’s nice to have some place to go. They have something for us constantly.”

The center recently published its July/August newsletter welcoming people back and explaining its new safety protocols.

Pre-registration is encouraged for center activities.

Congregant lunches have not returned. However, people may bring their own food or buy snacks and drinks.

The main entrance was renovated. Two offices were removed to create more space and allow for social distancing. Water fountains were removed and replaced with water bottle refilling stations.

Temperature checks are done upon entry. Those not feeling well are encouraged to stay home.

Vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks.

Unvaccinated visitors must wear masks. Hand sanitizers are available throughout the center.

Capacity limits are in place, such as a maximum of 10 people in the conference room, 20 in the fitness room, 50 in the cafe and 100 in the large activity and bingo room.

Executive Director Karen Hochberg didn’t know what to expect as far as turnout the first month of reopening.

“We were afraid people would be afraid to come, but we’ve had, at times, 70 people in here on exercise and card-playing days,” she said. “People are so happy to be back and see their friends. Plus, they love the new look of the center.

“Over the shutdown we were able to make some improvements that help with social distancing. The center is cleaner than it has ever been.

“My staff, all we want to do is create opportunities for people to be together safely. We’re delighted that we’re open, and we’re very encouraged that people are not afraid to come back.”

Between 80 and 100 people would visit the center daily pre-pandemic, with Wednesdays being the busiest days.

Full reopening coming in September

“I think we are on track and hoping for even more participation once we fully open in September when we will not be limited on half-capacity guidelines,” program coordinator Samantha Lamorte said. “Our soft reopening was July 6 and it has been so exciting, our members are elated to be back.”

A grand reopening celebration is being planned for Sept. 23.

“We realize the challenges for seniors to stay active and social through the pandemic, and we want to ensure them we have new operating and cleaning procedures so they can safely do so at PCC,” Lamorte said.

“During our physical closure, Basics of Zoom classes were held by connecting on their landlines or cell phones to talk about the program. It was successful, and from there we held craft, fitness and bingos via Zoom. We still offer Zoom fitness for those not yet comfortable resuming physically.”

Hours, events

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In-person programs include card games from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from noon to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Bingo Mania will be held Aug. 9 and 23, both are Mondays, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Fitness classes are offered daily at various times. Crafting takes place from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month.

The Plum Country Band is scheduled to perform Aug. 17 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.