Payson Roundup

The meal program provided by the Payson Senior Center has found a temporary residence at the Payson Masonic Lodge at 200 E. Rancho Road.

A Dec. 28 flood caused by a broken pipe in the ceiling above the kitchen, forced the center to close for repairs.

The flooding did not reach the Senior Thrift Store, so it will continue to operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The center’s transportation program is also continuing to operate, as is the Meals on Wheels project.

In-house meals still require reservations 24 hours in advance by calling the Senior Center (not the Masonic Lodge) at (928) 474-4876.

All other activities will be suspended until the facility can be occupied again.

Barbara Underwood, president of the Senior Center’s board of directors, said the center hopes to complete clean up and repairs by early February.

The staff came in on Monday morning and found about two inches of water standing in the kitchen and dining areas, plus a partially collapsed ceiling.

The damage was so extensive, the fire department had to pull down the entire ceiling due to the hazard the partial collapse created.

Following the incident, the center was able to continue its Meals on Wheels and transportation programs, but not its in-house meals. Frozen meals were sent out to the center’s housebound clients for Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, and then the kitchen at the Community Presbyterian Church was made available to send out hot Meals on Wheels lunches.