Longtime staff member Shauna Greenwood (left), who serves as the congregate meal site manager, and PCCC director Michelle Halm (right) said they love getting to know all the people who stop by the center.
There’s Always a Friendly Face at the Putnam County Community Center A meeting place for meals, activities, resources, and companionship Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
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The first thing a visitor to Putnam County Community Center in Standard notices is how homey it is. Walking through the doors, you feel welcomed immediately and charmed by the warmth and décor of the meal room. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus, that gathering room has been closed for a while. While the pandemic may have changed how attendees and PCCC staff communicate, the staff has found ways to continue pro-
viding the social interactions and services the seniors in Putnam County and beyond have come to depend upon. “It’s been a challenge. At this point, this is our new normal,” Michelle Halm, executive director of PCCC, said. When PCCC was still allowed to have meals and activities onsite, there might be anywhere from 15 to 40 people attending each day, Halm said. The challenge was to continue with those
16 May 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
services in the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic. Halm gave a rundown of the community center’s services while adding that their funding is specifically for those 60 and over. Here are some of the things PCCC can help seniors with. MEALS Pre-pandemic, lunch was offered five days a week at the site. While meals at the center carry a suggested donation, if a person can’t
