NVCC Holds Soft Re-Opening

At the Navidad Valley Community Connections (NVCC) Center, it sure feels good to get back to a regular schedule. NVCC is open on Mondays and Wednesdays for now, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. NVCC is planning on building the daily program with more activities and projects to attract folks back to the Center and to keep things interesting.

The first week in February was a little slow, but we just know attendance at the center will pick up again soon. People are getting their vaccinations now, so we hope this might add another layer of confidence and make folks feel better able about getting out a little more and being around others again.

Just having to get out and go to the grocery story or to the pharmacy is quite an ordeal in this COVID-19 environment, especially when you are in the last third of your life. That’s why it is so important that not a minute be wasted of this precious life and of the time we have left to live it. That’s the prevailing feeling around here, anyway, as one member put it, “I’m 89 years old. I don’t have many days left.”

So that’s why the NVCC Center plays a vital role in the daily lives of the older adults in our community. NVCC provides them a safe place where they can come and have a cup of coffee with their friends, play the games they are used to playing, share a meal together, and get all caught up while learning some things, being informed, and having some fun and laughter too. We have a group of “regulars” that come, but we are also ready to see some of the others come back and welcome some new faces this year as well.

We’d like to get a movie day going again, but the chairs are the center are not comfortable for some members to sit in for that long of a time period. If you have an office chair with wheels that you wouldn’t mind getting rid of, NVCC could use about five or six of them at the Center for members to sit on and enjoy that movie time activity again. The wheels on the chairs will allow members to move them around and store them when not being used. To donate a gently used office chair, call Cindy Villarreal at (979) 309-9592 and she can give you details.

On Monday, Feb. 15, spaghetti and meatballs with buttered green beans, a side salad, garlic bread and a dessert are on the menu. Then on Wednesday, Feb. 17, a fried fish plate with mixed veggies, a side salad and dessert to start off the Lenten season.

A craft sale will take place on Saturday, March 20, under the pavilion at Wolter’s Park, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is what everyone has been waiting for, so plan to come out and see all the hand-made Easter items, springtime decorations, household wares, jewelry, framed artwork, and many other gift items that will be on sale. Your support would be much appreciated.

If you are a craft person, or if you like to paint, sew, draw, or if you want to come to Crafty Corner, we could always use some more hands on the table, so give Debbie Florus a call at (832) 309-6024. Debbie will tell you all about Crafty Corner and get you plugged in to the program. There is an active project list and several things you can choose from to start on, so there’s always something to make.

Anyone can come by Crafty Corner, located inside the Gorman building, during their hours of operation, Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. and on Friday mornings, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The setting is congenial and fun, with productivity in the air. Members take turns bringing simple snacks, they bring their water bottles or cold drinks, and they settle in for a couple of hours of creating crafts and spending time together. Everyone is welcome to come on by and be creative. It is very relaxing and the fellowship is reviving.

There is something always going on at the Navidad Valley CC Center. The common denominator is togetherness. Together, we can accomplish anything. Let’s not forget that as we roll into this new year with new goals, new plans, and new friends in mind. We hope to see you all at the Center soon.

Navidad Valley Community Connections is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a mission “to provide a multipurpose organization that initiates, sponsors and promotes events, activities, and projects which enhance the quality of life for older adults in Fayette County and the surrounding communities.” NVCC is located next door to the Boys & Girls Club in Wolters Park.