The Bailey County Senior Citizens Center is a life line to many residents in our area. The center offers daily lunches to anyone 60 or over who wish to come and enjoy them. A $3 donation for the meal is appreciated. The center also offers services, activities, and entertainment to those who choose to participate. These are all at no charge.

                I recently stepped down as Director at the Center after a battle with Covid-19. Kaci Lee, who was our assistant director, has now taken over that Director’s position and is doing a beautiful job. It was a major lesson to learn but I had to accept that you have to make hard decisions sometimes for the betterment of your personal life.

                If the past year of this pandemic taught us anything—it was that loneliness hurts our health more than we ever thought. We had to close our center down for several months during the Covid-19 outbreak. We knew that getting the center up and running again would be one of the greatest challenges we would ever have to face. But our Board, our staff, and the entire community stepped up to the plate to work with us and get us going again.

                Way too many of our members were affected by the close and the pandemic caused the death of several of them. We miss them dearly at our center. Though the loneliness is there for those who are gone, the majority of our seniors portray a courageous existence and affirm that life will always be filled with wonder, newness, and adventure if only “we” will allow it to happen!

                I would just like to give a big shout out of thanks to everyone who helped me and who played a part in helping our center return to normalcy. Our seniors are some of the most noteworthy people on earth. They light up this community with leadership, wisdom, and kindness.

                I was honored to be able to walk beside them and learn from them as we all moved forward on the path of life.

                We encourage you to come and share some time with these individuals. See what we have to offer at the Muleshoe Senior Center. We would love to have you join us.

Note: The following poem was written by Carolyn Johnson in her first week as Director of our center back in 2019. We thought it is most appropriate to share with today’s article.

Our Senior Citizens Center

Like to play dominoes and forty-two?

Then the Senior Center might be for you.

How about exercise? Ride a bike, do Tai Chi?

The Senior Center is where you need to be.

Like to visit with friends as you enjoy a good meal?

The Senior Center has a very good deal.

Like to watch a good movie with popcorn and a drink?

The Senior Center’s the best place, I think.

Like to do arts and crafts or read a good book?

The Senior Center is where you should look.

Like to just sit in comfort and meditate?

The Senior Center is first rate.

Like to dance a jig or hear a good band?

The Senior Center is really grand.

Like to win a prize when you yell “Bingo”?

The Senior Center is where you should go.

If you haven’t done so, just come for a day.

See what we do. Hear what we say.

With us, we think that you will agree—

The Senior Center is where you need to be!

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(For more information about the Muleshoe Senior Citizens Center contact Kaci Lee, Director at 806-272-4969)