CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Director April Long and P.M. Kiwanis Club President-Elect, Gary Mason, pose for a photograph following the Sept. 23 joint Marshalltown “Noon” and P.M. Kiwanis program at Legends American Grill. Long spoke about the Marshalltown Senior Citizens Center, its almost 50-year history and the positive outlook following a tumultuous last few years.

Marshalltown Kiwanians from the “Noon” and P.M. clubs met on Sept. 23 at Legends American Grill for lunch and a program. P.M. president-elect Gary Mason opened the meeting at noon and led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Ann Kent, program chair, introduced April Long, Marshalltown Senior Citizens Center director. Long began the job four years ago, never imagining the wild journey it has become.

The Senior Citizens Center has existed since October 1972 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with the mission to provide all active adults 55 years and older with programs and activities that are enriching and empowering. Because of the negative connotation of “senior citizen,” the center is rebranding its efforts as an adult recreation center and has developed a new logo for advertising and correspondence. Its grand opening in its new location at 207 E. Church St., Suite A, is planned next week on Oct. 4.

The city had already notified the center that it was to vacate the East State Street location, but the 2018 tornado forced an earlier than planned exit. Just as it began operations in the Fisher Community Center COVID-19 in March last year suspended activities and any chances of starting again were ended with the August derecho. The Fisher Community Center sustained damage and revoked all the leases while it rebuilt.

The Senior Citizens Center belongings were packed up in a trailer which was parked at Mitchell Funeral Home while the search for yet another home began in earnest in October. The wish list included being in the downtown and of a specific size. In May, the new location was found at the southwest corner of South Third Avenue and East Church Street, right across from Taylor’s Maid-Rite. A five-year lease with an option for another five years was signed in June and the renovations began.

Formerly a beauty salon, the space offered just that, space to reorganize and fit to the center’s needs and future development. It was also highly visible, flooded with natural light and off street parking and there are no steps. Long then offered a description of how it is being organized for the timeless activities such as guest speakers, dances, live entertainment, bingo and crafts with COVID in mind as well as for a new schedule of events and programs.

A new rock painting project was inspired by a similar effort in Decorah in which rocks are decorated and placed around the community in various locations with possible prizes. A local artist has already been asked to assist with the group. Also a craft sale is a possibility for November or December. Sales of crafts including sewing and quilting projects are a source of revenue for the center that Long hopes to expand on.

Donations from individuals and United Way provided the $25,000 used for the renovations including demolition to the bare walls, new construction including a second restroom and kitchenette, paint, flooring and hopefully upgraded LED lighting. Long emphasized that the Senior Citizens Center does not receive funding from city, state or federal agencies.

Find out if helping with projects and building a stronger community for Marshalltown families and children is something in which you are interested. Right now the “Noon” Kiwanis Club is on various social media platforms including Facebook @MarshalltownKiwanis. The P.M. Kiwanis Club can be found on Facebook @PM Kiwanis. The next meeting of the two clubs will be installations of officers on Oct. 13.