FOLEY - The Foley Senior Center has officially set a soft reopening date of Monday, May 3.

“We know everyone is excited with this announcement and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience as we move through the month of May,” Senior Center Assistant Teresa Neese wrote in an email to members. “We sure hope you are as excited as we are! We have greatly missed each and every one of [our members].”

The facility will be following guidelines established by The Alabama Department of Senior Services to ensure the wellbeing of the members and the staff. Until further notice, members must pre-register for any activity.

“Because of physical distancing, our space will be limited,” said Neese. “By pre-registering we hope we will not have to send anyone home. The only time a drop-in will be allowed for the activity is if by chance the class is not full.”

Currently, all activities can be pre-registered for up to two weeks in advance as it is added to the calendar. The Senior Center reserves the right to change this with notice. Registration can be done via phone by calling the Senior Center at 251-943-1877 or emailing the center at seniorcenter@cityoffoley.org.

Members are asked to bring only what is needed for the scheduled activity, and it’s recommended they bring their own drinks. At this time, the Senior Center will not be providing food or drinks, including coffee and water, and no food items are to be brought into the center by members. For those attending the exercise and yoga classes, equipment will be provided by the center, but it’s the member’s responsibility to wipe/disinfect it before putting it away.

“We encourage members to park on the east side of the building,” said Neese. “To gain entry into the Senior Center you must use the north side door. Upon entry we ask that a mask is worn, and we will be wearing one too, and follow the six-foot physical distancing rule.” Floors will be marked to help keep people distanced. Members must sign in at the door of the first office. Members are encouraged to read the posted COVID-19 Assessment Tool as they wait in line, and be prepared to acknowledge that they answered yes or no to all questions. Temperatures will be taken and noted on the sign in sheet. All activities will take place in the southside of the building. When the activities end, members will exit through the southside doors.

“We understand this is a big change and it is frustrating, but we appreciate your patience and we hope we are able to relax the rules sooner than later,” Neese said.

The Foley Senior Center is located at 304 East Rose Avenue. Membership fees are $11 per year, and applications can be submitted online at https://cityoffoley.org/senior-center. Check the website for a calendar of upcoming activities. To review the guidelines established by The Alabama Department of Senior Services, visit https://alabamaageline.gov.