Seniors move to the MTC

The Moorcroft seniors have been using the town-owned center on North Big Horn for many years, but as the almost century-old building and its fellows along the block fell further into disrepair, the decision was made by the town council that the structure was no longer a safe haven as a gathering place.

The seniors were offered a new center at the Moorcroft Town Center (MTC); the seniors, though, chose to buy their own building on South Big Horn and renovate to better suit their criteria. The building was purchased and remodeling started, but work stopped when the money ran out.

Now, with the lots on North Big Horn put up for sale and demolition, the offer came again and was accepted for the community’s elders to move their center to the MTC until such time that their building is habitable.

They began the move Saturday and completed transferring the center this week. The center consists of two rooms on the south side of the MTC; enter through the wheelchair accessible double doors east of the cafeteria and kitchen, turn east through the interior double doors and the center is through the first doors on either side of the hall. Meals will be served in the cafeteria and the kitchen can be made available with prior request preventing any scheduling conflicts.

Volunteers painted the walls in shades of blue last week and began hanging the iconic “Old Moorcroft” and veterans pictures Monday.

Volunteer Penny Cruickshank was on hand Monday morning to welcome people to the new center. She and Mayor Dick Claar, who was onsite to deliver a window air conditioner to another room that had been generously donated by a local business, discussed the need for an air conditioner in the center as the afternoons get very warm in the rooms. The town cannot buy an air conditioner for the seniors, but encourages any individuals or businesses that are able to do so to consider contributing a window unit for the senior center.

According to Moorcroft Senior Center Board member Cynthia Clonch, the schedule will remain the same: “Yoga every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9 a.m.; Sewing Club every Monday at 9 a.m.; coffee, rolls, and music every Wednesday at 9 a.m.; Toenail Clinic on the fourth Thursday of each month; Busy Bobbin Quilt Guild on the first and third Monday of each month; and Birthday/Anniversary Dinner on the third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m.”

This Thursday, the seniors plan to have a meal open to the public outside and as soon as the center is settled, the seniors will host an ice cream social open house; please join them at the MTC for an opportunity to visit their new digs and share a meal.