Northeast Senior Center Reopens After Month-Long Closure

Members return after vehicle hit the center, leading to repairs

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) — For the first time in more than a month, seniors are back inside Lincoln’s Northeast Senior Center after a vehicle hit the building, forcing its closure for repairs.

The center at 6310 Platte Ave. had been closed since Aug. 31. It reopened Wednesday, with bingo, lunch and other activities returning.

For Northeast Senior Center member Lynnette Schultz, walking back inside felt a lot like coming home.

“This is just like home. Everybody knows everybody here,” Schultz said.

Schultz has been coming to the center for more than four years. While the building was closed, Aging Partners moved meals and activities to other centers.

“But here, you know, we’re like a big family. I mean, it’s great. I’m glad we’re back here,” Schultz said.

Aging Partners Public Information Specialist Jenny Hammond said that sense of connection is a big part of what senior centers provide.

“The Senior Center is more than a place to hang out. The regulars who come here, they become friends, they become family, and they look out for one another,” Hammond said.

Members come to the Northeast Senior Center for activities including cards, line dancing and bingo, as well as lunch. While they had other places to go during the closure, Hammond said many missed their usual routine and the people they typically see each day.

“If somebody doesn’t have family around, these are their families. So, it’s really important to come together, have lunch, laugh and, you know, have a little bit of fun every day,” Hammond said.

Another member, George Stastny, said he is happy to be back for the bingo, the food and, most of all, the people.

“I missed all the people and everything else,” Stastny said. “We had an alternative, and that was always fun over there, but it got kind of crowded. So, we kind of came back to our old stomping grounds over here.”

A few repairs still need to be finished, but on Wednesday, the center was once again filled with smiles.

“It’s great. It’s great,” Stastny said. “It’s like we’re coming home sweet home.”

The Northeast Senior Center is now back to its regular schedule, with activities and daily lunch resumed.