Seniors voice concerns at hearing

A big topic of discussion at a Friday hearing on senior services in the Clovis area: The driveway into the new Hillcrest Senior Life Center is too narrow.

“The entryway is kind of narrow. … There’s really only room for one vehicle to come in and out,” said David Briseño, director of Outreach and Corporate Compliance for La Casa Senior Center and La Casa Family Health Center.

He moderated the hearing held at the Hillcrest Senior Life Center on East Seventh Street.

“The city is aware of the situation and working to alleviate the problem,” Briseño said.

Those in attendance also said the parking lot is “too small.”

Clovis Senior Services Director Barbara Riggan told the group she has applied for a grant through the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services for parking lot expansion.

Riggan said that project will be part of the General Obligation bond in the Nov. 5 election.

Riggan estimated 50 to 60 people attended Friday’s hearing.

“The Non-metro Area Agency on Aging holds the hearings because they provide funding,” Riggan said.

“There was one in Portales a couple of months ago. We look to hear from the public, people who use the services, how they feel the services are conducted,” Briseño said.

In addition to interested citizens, representatives from the city of Clovis, Curry Resident Senior Meals Association, representatives from the Area Agency on Aging, and interested parties from Melrose, Roosevelt County, Lovington, and Hobbs also attended.

Other discussions included the meal service from CRSMA.

Briseño said, 60% to 70% of the people enjoy the food served. “One of the things that came up about the food was people wanted a return to take home meals,” he said.

Briseño said take-home meals were provided during the pandemic. The state ordered the take-home meals to cease after the pandemic.

“The state believes it’s important for the seniors to socialize,” Briseño said.

Riggan said Diana Cassidy from the Curry County Senior Companion Program talked about Meals on Wheels as an option for take-home meals through Meals On Wheels, a separate meal option from CRMSA.