LINCOLN, Nebraska (KOLN) – Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Aging Partners and AARP Nebraska celebrated the unveiling of a newly renovated kitchen at a senior center in northeast Lincoln and the launch of a new project helping seniors with new technology.
The kitchen at Aging Partners Northeast Center in Havelock now has a commercial food warmer, refrigerator, coffee and ice machines, and a dishwasher. Previously, the kitchen relied on an old household oven to heat food.
The kitchen renovation project cost $76,558 and was funded by a donation from the estate of Alfred Steyer, as well as funds from the city, Lancaster County and the American Rescue Plan Act.
Randall Jones, director of Aging Partners, pointed out that the kitchen serves 5,600 meals annually and has not been updated since the center opened in 1988.
“When I speak with our Aging Partners’ regular clients, whether they are from Havelock or another part of town, it is obvious that they enjoy the center’s many services and amenities – amenities like a warm and welcoming environment, socializing with friends and enjoying a delicious meal together,” Jones said.
In addition to the kitchen, the City of Gaylor Baird received a $20,240 AARP Nebraska Community Challenge Grant to fund a digital literacy project.
Todd Stubbendieck, director of AARP Nebraska, said the project will provide a cross-generational experience in which high school and college students will help seniors better understand technology.
“As we learned during the pandemic, people not only need access to high-speed internet, but also the digital skills needed to use it. We believe this grant will help reduce digital inequalities and is another big step on Lincoln’s journey to becoming an even more age-friendly community,” Stubbendieck said.
Aging Partners conducts digital learning events at the following locations:
- September 18, 3:30 p.m. – Community Action Partnership, 210 O St., Suite 100
- Oct. 16, 3:30 p.m. – Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St.
- November 13, 3:30 p.m. – Aging Partners, 600 S. 70th St., Building Two
“Today’s announcements put our community in an even stronger position to serve our growing senior population and contribute to Lincoln’s reputation as the quality of life capital of the nation,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “These important initiatives will improve the health and well-being of our seniors and make Lincoln an even more age-friendly community.”
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