SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The recreation center in Henrietta, New York, has temporarily closed because of the coronavirus. The Henrietta Senior Center next to it has pivoted to accommodate seniors who were utilizing the recreation center. The Senior Center has implemented new programs to help.
The Senior Center’s Director, Shelly Gorino, said before the pandemic senior citizens came in and took part in social activities, for instance, playing cards and having lunch.
“Since the pandemic, people have lost their socialization, they’re stuck in their homes,” said Gorino. “We do a walk in the town park. We’ve started in the amphitheater an exercise class, and we’re also starting bingo outside, as well as yoga.”
People also have the opportunity to partake in a social hour once a week over Zoom. Senior Program Coordinator for the Town of Brighton, Emily Kelsey, said this is something not many of them are accustomed to just yet.
“For those who are on the cusp of getting to know technology, it’s really encouraged them to embrace something that they hadn’t prior to the pandemic,” said Kelsey.
The Senior Center is also assisting the people as a whole. They have set up a food bank so that anyone in the Town of Henrietta can go to the center and pick up or drop off food. People can also pick up essential things such as masks.
