Senior citizens say good-bye

Building is sold; Organization will disband

by Marianne Gasaway

Some call it a victim of COVID; others say it’s the times we’re living in.  Whatever the reason, after 38-years at its present location and more than 75-years as an organization, the Clear Lake Senior Center is no more.

“I’m going to miss this place and these people,” said Don Nichols, who stopped by the center with his wife, Dorothy, Monday afternoon for coffee and a chance to sit down one last time with friends.

A good sampling of the 50 or so senior citzens who frequented the center pre-pandemic

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were on hand for a final look around before ownership of the building at 105 S. 4th St. changes hands.  A sale of building contents is scheduled Saturday.  

Site manager Linda Matson could not disclose the buyer, but said she is encouraged the building will remain a viable part of the Clear Lake business district.  Proceeds from the sale will be distributed to other non-profit organizations.

Matson and her husband Jon, along with other board members John and Linda Jacobs, David Klang and more volunteers have been sorting through contents of the senior center in preparation for the organization’s dissolution. Prior to purchasing the building on 4th Street in 1983 with the help of donations from the community, local seniors met in the basement of the former Halford’s Cafe on Main Avenue.  The move gave the group twice as much space and a ground floor entrance, making it more accessible. Improvements continued through the years, thanks to generous donations.

“It’s sad it has come to this, but it’s time,” said Matson, who volunteered at the center before becoming the site manager eight years ago.  “It costs a lot to keep us operating everyday.”

Monday’s gathering at the center was the first time doors have been open since the center closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.  The center’s kitchen remained in use preparing meals for home delivery until July 1.  In August, shortly after Matson informed the board her health would not permit her to continue directing operations at the center, the building was put on the market.  

The organization’s board decided it did not have the manpower to continue.

Ken Kutzner said he remembers four long tables filled with seniors enjoying lunch when he started regularly visiting the senior center some 20 years ago.  

“There was always a lot going on here— lots of fundraisers like serving Belgian waffles, groups playing cards, pool, or just enjoying good cooking.  We’ve had some awesome cooks over the years.”

Duane Vaudt has also been a part of the senior center crowd for more than 20 years. Like many of its members, he shared his talents with the group. He liked to play his accordion, often accompanied by pianist Dorothy Wenzel or another talented member.

Don Nichols recalls a performer playing the spoons during a lunch.  “You just don’t hear about that anymore,” he said.  

There were also holiday parties and music.  Sometimes performers in town for the Surf Ballroom’s Winter Dance Party offered an impromptu concert during lunch which not only had toes tapping, but some dancing the afternoon away.

One hundred twenty-five lunches were served the first time the Senior Center opened its doors, but in recent years the numbers had steadily declined.  A Meals on Wheels service run by the Elderbridge Agency on Aging remained popular, with about 50 persons stlll being served when the kitchen closed at the Senior Center, according to Matson.

“COVID was the final blow, but times really are changing and there just wasn’t the younger seniors coming to the center to help keep it running,” said Matson.  “They would suggest things, which would be great, but they weren’t willing to organize it or put it on.”

And while some might gather to play cards, shoot pool, or take part in an exercise program at the center, very few would stay for lunch.

“I think it’s just changing times,” said Matson, with  the other nodding their heads in agreement.  “People are less social.  They would rather eat their meal at home.”

Those that made the Senior Center part of their lives say they benefitted greatly.  Hot, tasty meals were always a draw, but it was the opportunity to meet other seniors, share interests, welcome guests, learn new things through special programming and much more that has meant so much over the years.

“I’ve been trying to get as many phone numbers as I can so that I can keep in contact with these people and maybe go to lunch,” said Dorothy Nichols.  

“They’re all like family.  We’re going to miss these people,” added her husband.

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