Dunlap Senior Center relocates during building improvement phase
Jill Schaben, DCDC
For the Harrison County Times-Reporter
The Dunlap Senior Center will temporarily relocate its daily meal service to Dunlap City Hall from August 10-21 as another phase of building improvements gets underway.
During the two-week renovation period, all meals will continue to be served at their regular time, ensuring seniors can continue enjoying the meals, fellowship and activities they’ve come to depend on. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to help make the temporary move as smooth as possible.
Leinen Construction will install new flooring throughout the building, replace the east wall, replace the countertop and improve the serving area, and update the foyer. At the same time, Bonsall TV & Appliance will complete electrical upgrades to improve the building’s power system and better support the facility for years to come.
Funding for these and other recent renovations has been made possible through generous local donations and grant support from the Dunlap Community Foundation and the Dean J. King Foundation, continuing a community-wide investment in one of Dunlap’s most treasured gathering places.
“Our Senior Center has become so much more than a place to share a meal,” said Patty Mumm, President of the Dunlap Senior Center. “It’s where friendships are built, people look out for one another, and many of our members find the connection they need each day. These improvements are helping ensure we can continue providing that welcoming environment for many years to come.”
The current project is the latest in a series of improvements completed over the past year. Earlier renovations included updated restrooms made possible through a generous donation from Dunlap alumnus Doug Stockstad, repairs to the buildings sloping floor completed by Greg Brasel, installation of a new ADA-accessible automatic push-button entrance, and the addition of a commercial dishwasher and sanitizer funded through a grant from the Harrison County Community Foundation.
“Every improvement we’ve made has been possible because people believe in what the Senior Center means to this community,” Mumm said. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, volunteered or supported these projects, as well as the City of Dunlap for allowing us to use City Hall while this work is being completed. Their generosity is making a lasting difference.”
The renovations are part of an ongoing effort to modernize the nearly 50-year-old facility while preserving the welcoming atmosphere that has made it a cornerstone of the community.
Following the completion of the work, the Senior Center plans to return to its building on Monday, August 24. Members and volunteers are especially looking forward to December, when the Dunlap Senior Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary—a milestone that will recognize five decades of serving meals, fostering friendships and enriching the lives of area seniors.
Anyone planning to attend meals between August 10 and August 21 should report to Dunlap City Hall. Meal reservations and serving times will remain unchanged throughout the renovation period.
As usual, meals are served Monday through Friday at Noon. Carry-out is also available. All meals must be ordered no later than 9:00 a.m. the day prior. Contact Jan Roberts at (712) 643-2223 or the Dunlap Senior Center at (712) 643-2244 to place an order.
