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Catskill senior center reopens; welcomes new director

Jul 12, 2021 6:00 am

Sam Raudins is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Robert C. Antonelli Senior Center in the village of Catskill reopened on July 6 and two days later the Catskill senior group Silver Linings held its first meeting in more than a year. The center closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. The center’s new director, Jamie Story, said sit-down dining will resume August 2, with some additional rules, including requiring non-vaccinated attendees to wear masks, reservations a day in advanc,e and physical distancing. While the center was closed, meals were delivered by Meals on Wheels to the center for pick up in the parking lot. In addition to dining, the center also offers card games, dance aerobics, line dancing and painting. Story said she plans to add more programming in an effort to attract new people. She hopes to bring back a chorus and continue chair yoga. “I’m open to ideas from the community and from the seniors working with funds from the town and fundraisers,” Story said. “I’m really excited to be here. I’ve been here about a week, and I have met many wonderful seniors, and I’m looking forward to meeting many more.” Catskill Town Supervisor Dale Finch said the seniors were patient in waiting for the reopening. “Before it was a building, but now it’s like the life is back in the building,” he said. “It’s like one large family reunion.” Silver Linings President Sheila Pedersen said pre-pandemic, the group had 126 members, but it is unclear what returning membership will look like. Story said she will be creating a Facebook page for the center, and The Silver Linings will host a chicken barbecue fundraiser on August 12, Pedersen said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.