Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Allendale Leisure Center staff (left to right) Gwen Walker, Lottie Lewis, Thelma Spellman, Pookie Smith, Tina Youmans, Barbara Preister, Janice Devore and Annette Flowers.
Allendale Leisure Center staff (left to right) Gwen Walker, Lottie Lewis, Thelma Spellman, Pookie Smith, Tina Youmans, Barbara Preister, Janice Devore and Annette Flowers.
Hot meals are now being served at the Allendale Leisure Center three days a week. Seniors age 60 and above can apply for free lunch and transportation to the center. The application is not income-based.
Seniors participate in games at the newly reopened Leisure Center operated by the Allendale County Office on Aging.
Activities Director Gwen Walker spins the bingo ball basket at the Allendale Leisure Center.
Seniors in Allendale County gather for a group photo while at the Allendale Leisure Center which recently reopened in Fairfax. The center had been closed for over two years due to Covid.
The sounds of voices talking, laughter and the smells of hot meals have returned to the Allendale County Leisure Center for the first time since 2020.
The Allendale County Office on Aging has reopened its Leisure Center, offering a hot meal three days a week as well as activities and information sessions.
“We had to shut down over two years ago due to COVID,” said Office on Aging Director ‘Pookie’ Smith. “We are excited to be able to reopen.” An open house was held January 24 and the center began welcoming the return of seniors on January 26.
The center at 3691 Allendale-Fairfax Highway in Fairfax is open on Monday, Tuesday and ‘Super Thursday’, said Smith.
While meals and transportation to the center is free, an approved application is required. “This is not income-based,” noted Smith. Applications can be filled out at the center and then will be submitted to the Lowcountry Council of Governments for approval.
Those just wanting to participate in the activities are welcome to attend without an application.
Some of the activities include games, Bingo, and simple crafts.
“We partner with other agencies and individuals to provide important information,” said Smith. “For example, Senator Tim Scott gave a talk on fraud and scams targeting seniors and how to spot them. Clemson Extension provided a session on nutrition. This is important to our seniors.”
The meals are prepared by Senior Catering.
A schedule of activities and meals can be obtained at the center.
Smith credits his staff for making the reopening a reality. “I thank God for my staff who have made this possible. I couldn’t do it without them. They cook, deliver meals, clean up, provide transportation – they do it all.”
Staff members assisting Smith include Senior Director Lottie Lewis, Activities Coordinator Gwen Walker, Transportation Manager Thelma Spellman, Meal Site Manager Tina Youmans and kitchen assistants Barbara Priester, Janice Devore and Annette Flowers.
Anyone with questions may contact the Allendale County Office on Aging at (803) 584-4350, Monday through Friday.
