Closing the doors to Timothy Eaton Gardens during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 was a very tough thing to do for the Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association, but it has only made the reopening celebration earlier this month that much more satisfying.
The centre officially reopened its doors on July 13, resuming almost all of the association’s regular social activities and resuming services at the Timothy Eaton Cafe.
Acting general manager Tracey Duncan shared some of the changes that are in place at Timothy Eaton moving forward, including staff wearing masks to help keep visitors safe and increased cleaning routines.
“We have all of our activities open right now except for cards, which of course is a government mandate, and our jam sessions,” said Duncan. “But all other activities are going strong.”
This includes pickleball every day of the week, as well as numerous craft sessions, billiards, table tennis, carpet bowling, board games, and more.
Visitors are expected to follow all safety precautions in force within the building, including keeping proper physical distance, using the hand sanitizer at the entrances and exits, and respecting the limit of 50 per cent capacity at Timothy Eaton Cafe.
The café has resumed its food services as per usual, open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., although customers will notice that the napkins and condiments usually on the café's tables have been removed for now.
“We’ve got our tables kind of spaced out and reserved so people aren’t too close, and there’s absolutely no napkins or anything else on the tables,” said Duncan. “Everything will be given when you order your food, in single packages.”
The Seniors Association has also opened up the walking track and exercise equipment in the lower level of Timothy Eatons, which is currently undergoing some upgrades.
Using a grant from the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Seniors Association has purchased some new exercise equipment, including new treadmills, a new rowing machine and new elliptical machines. The walking track is also set to be fixed as well.
Duncan and the other staff at Timothy Eatons are glad to be back, and have seen plenty of enthusiasm from visitors since the centre reopened.
“We’re elated. Not only is the staff happy to be back, but our seniors are very happy that we’ve opened too,” said Duncan. “Now they can get out and go somewhere, and feel safe. We really appreciate the fact that they’re supporting us and we are taking any and all precautions that we need to make them feel safe.”
The Seniors Association will also be hosting its annual general meeting at Timothy Eaton Gardens on Aug. 19 at 1 p.m., for all members to attend if interested. All health precautions will also be taken at the event, including physical distancing and sanitation.
The Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre also resumed some activities earlier this month, including shuffleboard and pickleball by registration.
