Colorado Politics: In a small community, the center makes a difference

23 Apr Colorado Politics: In a small community, the center makes a difference

By Lynn Bartels
Colorado Politics

James Neill, Kersey’s recreation director, talks with 88-year-old Adella Andrijeski after he delivered her a hot meal and a book about the historic 70 Ranch located near Kersey. She’s been attending events with the Kersey seniors for 20 years. Photo courtesy of Colorado Politics / Lynn Bartels. 

KERSEY — This town’s new community center opened in January to the delight of senior citizens who met Tuesdays and Thursdays for lunch and activities, and of parents who booked the venue for graduation parties and baby showers.

“It’s a new, bright space and we love it,” said James Neill, the recreation director for the town of Kersey.

These days, the center is locked as part of the state’s coronavirus shutdown. But those few weeks it was open were glorious.

Neill’s still at the community center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with recreation assistant Kaylee Guerin, assembling meals and driving them to the seniors, who are now shut in their homes for the most part.