Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird was joined by City and AARP officials today to announce long overdue renovations to the Aging Partners Northeast Center kitchen, and a new digital literacy program for local seniors.
“These important initiatives will improve the health and well-being of our seniors and propel Lincoln forward as an even more age-friendly community,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird.
The kitchen of the Northeast Senior Center Kitchen (6310 Platte Ave.) serves 5,600 meals annually, but had not been renovated since it opened in 1988. New features of the updated kitchen include a commercial food warmer, refrigerator, coffee and ice machines, and a dishwasher.
The renovation also allows Aging Partners to store meals prepared in the central kitchen at Victory Park at controlled temperatures before they are served at the NE Senior Center. Prior to this renovation, the kitchen used an old residential oven to heat food.
“When I talk with our Aging Partners patrons, be they from Havelock or another part of town, it’s apparent that they enjoy the Center’s many services and amenities – amenities like a warm and welcoming environment, socialization with friends, and sharing a delicious meal together,” said Aging Partners Director Randy Jones.
The renovation project cost $76,558 and was paid for through a mix of private and public funds.
Director of AARP Nebraska Todd Stubbendieck said the city has been awarded a $20,240 grant to the AARP Community Challenge Digital Literacy Project, which will provide an intergenerational experience in which college and high school students will assist seniors to better understand how to use technology such as phones and laptops. One of the goals will be improved communications and access to both social media and web-based material.
Aging Partners will host digital learning events at the following locations:
- September 18, 3:30 p.m. – Community Action Partnership, 210 “O” St., Suite 100
- October 16, 3:30 p.m. – Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St.
- November 13, 3:30 p.m. – Aging Partners, 600 S. 70th St., Building Two
More information on Aging Partners senior center activities is available at aging.lincoln.ne.gov.
