An important opportunity for socialization among senior community members in the area has made its return at the California Nutrition Center.
The Nutrition Center's "Fun Nites," evenings that typically consist of bingo and other games, returned in November after some time away because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the Nutrition Center has begun the process of working to bring back more sizable numbers of attendees to enjoy an evening out and a bit of fun.
The return to the pre-pandemic status quo has been a work in progress for the Nutrition Center, starting with the return of in-person meal service last May. Fun Nites now resume their usual schedule, taking place the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., after around two years on the shelf. Nutrition Center Board President Dee Butts said the board's work has turned toward spreading the word and generating more interest from community members in attending.
Butts said it's an important social resource for residents, in the same way that the Nutrition Center's meal service can also carry a social element. And it's also the kind of event that actually draws visitors from surrounding areas, who travel to California from Osage, Miller and Cooper counties just to attend.
"It is nice to see all of our people coming back," Butts said. "Just to hear the laughter in here is just, I love it. Absolutely love it."
Butts said she encourages those interested in coming to future Fun Nites to be prepared to head home with a wide variety of prizes for participation in tow, and also to bring a friend or even a family member with them. She noted that participants are welcome to bring their grandchildren along, for example, who often have a lot of fun playing along and taking home some candy prizes.
"How many places can you go and do something with your kids?" Butts said. "Kids are welcome."
Even with a lighter crowd so far since the monthly event's return, Butts said there's been a good response from community members about being back. Everyone is happy to be there again, she said.
The Nutrition Center's New Year's Eve party also returns this year, set from 7-11 p.m. Dec. 31. For a $10 entry fee, guests will be able to enjoy a potluck, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle, cards, games, dancing and music by The Osage Drifters. Regular monthly Fun Nites, meanwhile, cost just $2 for admission.