LYNN — A few dozen senior residents gathered at the new Lynn Senior Center at 37 Friend St. Wednesday morning to play a game of bingo. The center “softly” opened its doors in the new location this week, inviting senior residents to enjoy a couple hours of socializing and activities each day.
“I really love it here. It’s like my second home,” said Lynn resident Virginia Calef, making some artwork for the center’s walls with her handprints. “I feel more energetic. I feel like I get something to look forward to.”
Staying at home made her bored and stiff, she said.
“I couldn’t find enough stuff to do in the house,” said Rita Jollimore, who lives by the North Commons, echoing the sentiment.
Another Lynn resident, Barbara Monteiro, said it was good to have a place to go during the day to see friends and play games.
The senior center is not open in full capacity yet, said Christopher Gomez-Farewell, director of elder services. But some programming is already available to seniors for a few hours each day, while the space is undergoing some painting and remodeling.
“We have a lot of programming services we plan to provide once we are open. We will extend the hours little by little,” said Gomez-Farewell.
The elder services department has utilized some furniture and equipment from the old senior center, which was stored at the Lynn Armory. Soon, the new center will be equipped with a computer lounge and a little cafeteria, according to Gomez-Farewell.
“But pretty much everything else is good to go,” he said, adding that they might buy some new furniture.
The center is already staffed with a program manager, outreach coordinator, and a clerk. Gomez-Farewell is planning to hire a driver next week, while the seniors are deciding on how to call the center’s van.
Mayor Jared Nicholson stopped by the senior center Monday for a morning coffee with the residents. He said he was thrilled that they finally have a place that they can call home.
“The sense of joy and excitement was overwhelming when the doors opened Monday and I know that Chris Gomez and his team are going to work to make this space something truly special for Lynn residents,” said Nicholson. “I would like to commend the Council on Aging, particularly Councilor Dianna Chakoutis, for their perseverance throughout this multi-year search for a building.”
Nicholson said he is committed to ensuring that the senior center is properly outfitted to meet the needs of the residents.
On Thursday, May 19, seniors are invited for another coffee hour from 10 a.m. to noon. On May 20, during a “Fiesta Friday,” people can enjoy socializing and dancing from 10 a.m. to noon, or retreat to a quiet room for a knitting class from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Alena Kuzub can be reached at [email protected].
