Senior Connection in Clanton re-opened its doors May 18 and will have adjusted hours of operation moving forward.

The center located at 304 Park Drive in Clanton will be opened Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

As with other establishments opening back up to the public, there will be certain social distancing guidelines in place.

There were about 35 people spread out amongst the facility playing games, such as bingo, or exercising.

“They were tickled to death to be back,” Senior Connection Director Vanessa McKinney said.

Some of the safety precautions included everyone having to wear a mask and hand sanitizer stations. Gloves were required for anyone playing one of the games.

According to McKinney, a lot of planning went into the decision to open up this week, but she was reassured the timing was right after several members called in and voiced their opinions in favor of it.

“A lot of people don’t have family at all, and they’ve been sitting home alone,” McKinney said.

The fact that the majority of Senior Connection’s members are considered among the higher risk category due to their age was something weighed heavily during the process of deciding when and how to re-open.

“We have a huge facility with plenty of room for safe distancing, if you take the right precautions,” McKinney said.

Gov. Kay Ivey also proclaimed May to be Older Americans Month, which Senior Connection plans to celebrate with a parking lot party May 29.

The party will have music for anyone who wants to dance and free hot dogs will be included as part of boxed lunches for everyone in attendance.