SHELBY — The Shelby Community and Senior Center has announced a soft reopening for June 8.
The decision was reached after the board met May 19 (the first meeting in nearly three months) and after conferring with the Shelby Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health.
“We are not a residential facility, so it was thought that we are more of a fitness facility,” said Pamela Awwiller, Director of Shelby Community and Senior Center. “Most of our folks are pretty healthy and wanting to try getting back to exercising and extras for physical and mental stimulation and health.”
Awwiller said the center is asking if anyone feels compromised, is not feeling well, has been exposed to someone with Covid-19, or are symptomatic or fevered (temp 100.4 or higher) to please stay home.
“We will be taking temperatures and checking people in through front door only — no side lot entry,” Awwiller said. “We will be holding two classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday to start. No Tuesday or Thursday yoga for this first week at least, although that is to be determined.
“We will let those interested know what’s going on.”
Awwiller said the organization is ask clients to respect social-distancing protocols, and ‘suggest’ they wear a mask in and out of facility.
“If you are there to exercise, we will start very slowly as it’s been a while for us all, you should NOT wear a mask during exercise,” Awwiller said. “If this is of concern to anyone, we would suggest waiting a couple more weeks to see how things are going or until you are comfortable.
“You need oxygen to exercise. We do not want anyone passing out or worse.”
Awwiller said the facility does have plenty of soap and water, hand sanitizer and will be sanitizing before and after classes or cards. The same suggestions hold true for card players.
No more than 12 at a time are permitted in any class or in any social setting. There is to be no congregating in the parking lot before or after classes. Participants should not arrive any earlier than 20 minutes prior to class time and should leave right after, and respect the 6-foot safety rule.
Participants should feel free to bring their own clean towel and bottle of water with you.
“We decided to allow everyone to take: an exercise band, weights, and ball home with you. You will be responsible for bringing it to and from facility for each class and cleaning it as you see fit,” Awwiller said. “We thought this would be the best way to keep you all as safe as possible, not gathering at the storage closet and not touching unnecessary items.
“It has just been told to us by the CDC that the likelihood of contamination from a surface is unlikely. So we will leave the choice to you whether you take a set of equipment home to borrow or not.”
Awwiller advised everyone should be respectful of one another. The mask in and out is a request, not a mandate.
“We all have our preferences regarding what is the best course of action moving forward. Just remember to treat others the way you want to be treated,” Awwiller said. “Remembering that we are all responsible for ourselves, and whatever that means for you and your health and peace of mind, you should certainly do. There is no judgement.
“We have always tried to run the Center as an extension of home. Love one another and accept what we cannot change.”
CLASSES
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY
Class 1: 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. (arrive no sooner than 9:10 a.m. for temperature check and seating.
Only 12 spaces per class. Chairs will be eight feet apart all around. Call the office and we will fill the classes first come, first served. If a third class is needed that topic will be revised in week two.
Class 2: 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. (arrive no sooner than 10:25 a.m. for a temperature check and seating)
Monday and Tuesday cards:
No more than 12 in Yetzer room (25% capacity). The banquet room may be needed to keep groups small and spread apart.
No monthly Wednesday craft for the summer.
Thursday Bingo is being held off until arrangements can be made for a caller. There is a possibility for this to return the week of June 15 since the group is usually less than eight.
Plans call for adding a couple of outdoor stretch and walk classes soon. For those that do not want to be inside right now with others, this will be a fun way to reintegrate slowly.
“This is the plan for now,” Awwiller said. “Please think through it and decide over the next two weeks what your personal plan of action is and if this is the appropriate time for you to begin at the Community center.
“We all miss each other and are sure looking forward to regaining some normalcy of some sort. Remember to call the office for a space in class. If there is no answer, please leave a message. 419-342-7223.
“Also keep in mind we are pushing this out 2 extra weeks further than the other fitness facilities to be mindful of your health and to make sure there is no huge resurgence in cases. This will also give everyone a few days to chew on it a bit and decide what’s best for you.”
