Van Alstyne senior center to close May 5 for blind installation, staff say

Staff at the Van Alstyne Senior Center announced that the facility will close Tuesday, May 5, for roughly 4½ hours so crews can install custom window blinds.

Candy, a staff member at the center, said installers must clear walls and work inside the building, and the closure is needed to avoid safety risks. “We are going to be closing the facility this next Tuesday,” she said.

The closure will interrupt regular activities, including the center’s line-dancing session, which falls on Cinco de Mayo this year. Mike, another staff member, apologized for the timing and said staff will try to avoid scheduling future maintenance during popular events.

Staff explained the blinds are custom-made because the building’s many windows are slightly different sizes. Mike said some windows vary by a quarter inch to an inch, so each blind required individual measurement and installation.

The center stressed that Meals on Wheels deliveries will continue as scheduled, but people who normally pick up meals at the center will need to call ahead and collect food without remaining inside the building that day. “You won’t be able to come inside the senior center and enjoy the activities on Tuesday, May 5th,” Candy said.

The senior center will remain open on Monday and will reopen Wednesday, May 6, during normal hours, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Staff said anyone needing a meal should call the number posted by the center to arrange pickup.

The announcement repeated that the closure is temporary and intended to improve summer cooling and comfort once the blinds are installed.