Overton County still working to reopen the Senior Center, closed since the former director retired several weeks ago.
The county initially closed the senior center while searching for a new director, but has since extended the closure as the senior center is under renovation. Overton County Executive Steven Barlow said a reopening date has not been set, but the county will monitor the renovations on a week-by-week basis.
“We want to make sure that we get everything done that needs to be done before trying to rush it and open, and then figuring out that we need to do something different and having to close again, or doing the remodeling stage while people are there,” Barlow said.
Barlow said the county has partnered with Overton County Health and Rehab Center to provide breakfast and a meeting space above the senior center while renovations continue.
“They are actually serving breakfast to anybody who wants to come,” Barlow said. “There is no charge for it, and it’s just to get people back out and let people start mingling and getting their friends back together again. And I know a lot have been waiting for this to be open back up because you know they miss their friends, and they miss seeing each other.”
Barlow said some of the work that is left in the renovations is the kitchen and the restrooms. Barlow said it’s a pretty good-sized place and a lot of work to do in a short amount of time.
“They have been working seven days a week on it, and understanding that you know, we are excited about having it done, and they are excited about getting people back in there as well. We’ve got three different crews working, so hopefully it won’t take too much longer.”
Barlow said he is not concerned about some people not coming back to the senior center since the closure. Barlow said he believes it will be worth the wait once the senior center reopens.
