Hillman Center

Executive Directors Corner:

I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support during this time with the restrictions and guidelines that have been put into place that affect MCCOA’s services during the Covid-19 Pandemic.  This has been a very challenging time and many of our everyday routines along with client services have been affected.

In order to follow the Governor’s MI Safe Start Plan MCCOA has adopted a Return to Work Plan outlining our action based on each Phase.  Now that our area is in Phase 5 we are happy to announce the reopening of our Senior Centers for Congregate Meals effective August 3 on a limited basis. Meal service will be held on Monday’s and Wednesday’s for Atlanta and Hillman; the Lewiston Center service will be on Monday’s and Friday’s.

The MI Safe Start Plan allows for Congregate Services provided to older adults and vulnerable individuals to reopen with certain limitations:  1. Limit congregate services to 30 or less, 2) Continue social distancing, face coverings, appropriate PPE and hygiene best practices. Phase 6 (Post-Pandemic) for the first 60 days requires the same protocols to be followed as Phase 5.

When the Senior Centers reopen there will be certain requirements that MCCOA must follow to safely reopen for Congregate Meals. Meal attendees should be familiar with the changes prior to attending a meal service.  The changes include:

• Advance registration must be made by telephone. No walk-in meal attendees will be allowed. Center phone numbers are: Atlanta—785-3932; Hillman—742-3013; Lewiston 786-3124.  On-line registration will be suspended until further notice. Center doors will open at 4:30 pm and dinner served at 5:00 p.m.
• Meal attendees are encouraged to wear face coverings at all times except when consuming their meal. Physical contact is strongly discouraged. We encourage you to reconnect with your friends but ask that you do so safely.
• Entrance and exits will be clearly marked and 6’ distance will be noted on the floor.
• MCCOA staff will greet and check-in meal attendees at the main entrance to confirm reservation and to limit the number of people (30) granted entry. This process will include Covid-19 health screening.
• The donation box will be placed at the entrance. All meal attendees are requested to have the correct change on hand to limit physical contact.
• Meal attendees are encouraged to wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after meal service.
• Cafeteria style meal service will be suspended. MCCOA nutrition employees will serve meal and beverages to attendees at their table.  Soup, salad and beverage self-service will be suspended.
• Disposable products will be used when appropriate. MCCOA nutrition employees will clear the tables and sanitize at end of service.
• Water fountains, coffee makers and ice makers will be closed during meal service.
• Tables will have all items removed. Tables and chairs will be rearranged to follow the 6’ distancing requirement.
• No outside containers or bags may be brought onto premises. Removal of leftover food is restricted until further notice.

Our Home Delivered Meal service will continue to operate with deliveries on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. For our temporary HDM clients that received meals during the center closures, MCCOA will contact you to offer the choice of continuing on a permanent basis or canceling that service.

Although these requirements may seem restrictive, please remember that MCCOA is following the Governor’s guidelines through the MI Safe Start Plan to insure that the people we serve along with MCCOA staff remain healthy and safe.  We want to be there for you and by all of us working together we can make the reopening of the centers a success.  We miss you and look forward to seeing you once more!

Please remember, the Montmorency County Commission on Aging renewal millage proposal will be on the August 4, 2020 Primary Election ballot.

Thank you,

Anna M. Rogers, Executive Director