Following a pandemic-compelled shutdown, the Katy Fussell Senior Center reopened with a Dec. 17 open house and lunch.

It has a new director helping to lead the way. Amanda Di Dio joined the city as director of social services last month. She comes to Katy after spending the previous five years working in the Texas Medical Center. She’s also worked as a clinical director and therapist. Her experience includes working with veterans and adults who suffered brain injuries. She’s also worked in assisted living facilities.

Her education is in neurological musical therapy. She said her goal as director was to find new ways to do things that seniors love to do.

The Dec. 17 reopening drew about 200 people, Di Dio said, and featured a barbecue lunch.

Di Dio said Katy’s small-town feel was a big attraction to her.

“I love the small-town feel of some of these older communities, but with proximity to the big city,” Di Dio said. “I love old town katy because I love its small-town feel.”

The senior citizens who come by the center also captured Di Dio’s heart.

“They’re friends, but really, they’re family,” Di Dio said. “It’s amazing.”

The Fussell Senior Citizen Center was built in 2012, according to the city website. It offers a variety of activities for active seniors. These include crafts, day trips and movies, exercise and health-related activities, and holiday celebrations, among other things.

“My goals are to bring more programs, more activities, and really, provide more for our community,” Di Dio said. “If there’s anything our seniors would like to do, come visit us, and we’ll see about putting it on the schedule.”