JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Senior citizens in Chautauqua County are now getting out for the day and spending time with friends in a safe environment.

Three days a week, 71-year-old Janet Baker of Jamestown leaves her apartment building in downtown Jamestown and boards a bus for Chautauqua Adult Day Services in the city, a center that offers senior day programs in Jamestown and Dunkirk to those 60 and older.

"I like being with the people in daycare. I enjoy them. Play games with them. Do karaoke, bingo," said Baker.

She is one of a handful of people who get picked up and dropped off from their homes and brought to the daycare, now located inside the Present Center on 5th Street.

As the bus pulls in and unloads, Baker and the others get themselves settled in, while staff is busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast for those who want it.

Janet is picking out her red pen, as she already ate. So, it was just coffee for her while coloring, before the day's activities began.

"I think I'd get lost if I wasn't here. And this helps me a lot," said Baker.

Part of the day includes the reading of the morning announcements and a discussion of current events.

For almost 30 years, associate director Karen Lucks has also been welcoming guests, as they are like family.

Some are marking their return to the program for the first time in a year, after the center shut down for a short period of time at the height of the pandemic.

"People can come here during the daytime. Be safe, their caregivers can be at home. Gives them respite time. And we have a full line of activities that go on throughout the day," said Lucks.

Many take part in a steady hand of pool, while others find Wii bowling to be more up their alley. There's also a spirited game of bingo, thanks to a little help from Baker. Others try their hand at putting puzzles together, painting colorful Easter flowers, and planting indoor vegetable gardens, starting with the dirt, then the seeds.

"It's a wonderful socialization opportunity for the older adults, people that have developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and just general senior population. But it really offers the older adults a place to go, maintain some friendships," said Medicaid case manager Kim Buffone.

Pedro Fajardo of Jamestown has made a lot of friends and is one of the only Spanish speaking guests as part of the center's outreach to the Latino community.

"I like it here, got some of my friends here. Play pool," said Fajardo.

Judy Bascom of Kennedy is getting her nails painted for Easter. She's been going to adult daycare for about five years and says socializing with friends is a lot better than just sitting at home bored.

"I'm very grateful for this program. And glad they have something like this for the elderly going on for them to have something to do during the day," said Bascom.

A lot of what goes on during the day is well planned and thought out thanks to program coordinator Amanda Frye, who has had her hands full organizing social activities amid the pandemic.

"Because we have to keep our distance from each other, so we can't sit in our groups like we did before. And them going home happy and saying they had a great day is rewarding to me," said Frye. 

And when it’s time to go for the day, Baker gathers her stuff and heads back on the bus for home.

"It was good. I get to do my crafts. My coloring. Help people with the games. It was fantastic," said Baker.

And when the bus pulls up, it's back home for Baker at the Hotel Jamestown, until next time.