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New senior center director settles in

May saw a change in staff at the Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center, Lisa Pierce took over as director. Outgoing director Chanda Waddell, who moved to Indiana, worked at the facility through May. Pierce said she was lucky to have Waddell stay for those weeks, to help her get accustomed to everything before June 1.

Since then, Pierce said everyone has gone out of their way to make her feel welcome. The staff has been very helpful, she said, and the clients have been great. Much of the time, she has been working on the grants that provide funding for the center and keep its doors open.

Another focus for Pierce at this time is the further remodel of the center. This past year saw remodeling to office areas, kitchen and dining areas and a couple activity areas, as well as new paint, flooring and carpet.

Pierce said finishing the renovation will be fairly expensive, as they will be re-plumbing the restrooms and going from three stalls to two; the new stalls will have wider access, to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

There are also plans to add a washer and dryer at the center, to clean rags, volunteer vests and other items.

Following the renovation, Pierce would like to bring in some additional computers to the center. Having worked previously at Hot Springs County Library, she knows they were of benefit there and would be a good addition to the center.

“It’s been amazing and wonderful,” Pierce said of the position, and she’s really excited to be working at the center.

Pierce also spoke in regard to the new “mystery trips” at the center. The idea came from Trinda Moore, and gives people a chance to go somewhere they might never have been. True to their name, nobody but the driver knows where they’re going

The first mystery trip was planned for Yellowstone on May 17, but some unseasonable cold and snow diverted them to other locations such as Cody and Heart Mountain. Another mystery trip is planned for July, and anyone age 60 or older can go. Breakfast and lunch are provided, and plans are made for dinner and evening entertainment.

 

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