Valentine’s meal way to seniors’ hearts

Last year, the Douglas County Senior Center was packed for the Valentine’s Day lunch.

This year seniors lined up for a drive-through Valentine’s Day luncheon of chicken parmesan and pasta with apple caramel cheesecake for dessert.

“With the Douglas County Senior Center and the congregate dining program still being closed, creative events are being offered to keep as many of the Douglas County senior residents engaged in activities provided by the Senior Center while still following strict COVID guidelines,” county officials said.

The senior center has been closed for meals since March 17, 2020, as a result of the emergency directives.

Instead seniors have been either picking up meals or having them delivered through the center’s Meals on Wheels program.

On Monday, coronavirus restrictions are set to relax a bit with public gatherings allowed to increase to 100 people or 35 percent of the fire code. Restaurants, bars, churches gyms and casinos are also permitted to increase to 35 percent and community and recreation centers may go to 50 percent.

By March 15, public gatherings may increase to 250 people, with most occupancies going to half of those allowed under the fire code. By May 1, mitigation of the virus will be turned over back to local authorities.

On Thursday, the Douglas County Public Library opened for browsing.

“We had a short line at the door when we opened and 10 a.m.,” Librarian Amy Dodson said. “Visitors of all ages have told us how happy they are to be in the library. I would say the staff and the patrons are equally excited to have browsing available again.”

Ruhenstroth resident Mary Jane Harding reported she and husband Pete received their second dose of the coronavirus at the senior center.

“At our second appointment this week we were fortunate to have the same medics, who took great care of us, explained the possible side effects, and directed us to the chairs where we sat for 15 minutes,” she said. “The entire set up was well organized.”

The vaccinations at the senior center were coordinated by Carson City Health and Human Services, which reported having received 12,575 doses of the vaccine and administering 11,932 vaccinations.

Of those, 3,750 were second doses.