Enrichment Centers of Huron County programming returning

NORWALK — The Enrichment Centers of Huron County has continued to serve the community throughout the pandemic and will be bringing back wellness activities. Home meal deliveries to homebound individuals in the county have continued throughout the pandemic, with numbers increasing. Delivery routes have been expanded and the centers instituted a new grab and go meal service. County-wide transportation services also continued in the past year, focusing on medical appointments and grocery shopping. "We recently added free rides to COVID vaccination appointments regardless of age or income and plan to continue that as long as resources allow," executive director Steve Beal said. The centers operate two separately funded transportation systems — Huron County Transit, public transportation, and Senior Express, for those 60+ exclusively. Both systems run on a pre-made reservation basis. As COVID-19 related regulations lessen, the centers in Norwalk and Willard are planning to bring back health and wellness programs, focusing on outdoor gatherings. "We can easily move our fitness classes outside and back inside when weather requires it," said Deanie Berry, program director and coordinator. "The Walking Group is great for getting out and meeting up with friends, new and old." The group offers short, medium and long walks and will begin meeting in June at the Veterans Memorial Lake clubhouse. Other classes and activities that will be returning are watercolor painting, book club, coffee bar, stained glass, dart ball, trivia, evening meals with entertainment, cookouts and more. "This summer we will also see the return of inter-generational outdoor programing with our Grand & Me activities," Berry said. "These will allow grandparents to participate in memory-making activities with their grandchildren without having to worry about supplies, project details or cleanup." Adventures Travel Club will also be starting again soon. The travel program gives community members the opportunity to visit destinations like theaters, Nashville, Tennessee or North Carolina. "We were able to redesign our newsletter to include articles to encourage a positive mindset with uplifting articles, enhanced mental stimulation through added trivia, puzzles, and games to challenge and exercise the mind," Berry said. Articles regularly feature caregiver health, better eating habits and personal care. "And, of course, as we reopen, we will list all our classes and travel opportunities as well," she said. For information about Services for Aging and Enrichment Services for Huron County, visit sfaconnection.org. Subscribe to the free newsletter by calling 419-668-6245.