Since moving to its new home in the Nittany Mall earlier this year, the Centre Region Active Adult Center has seen participation by area seniors continue to climb.
Getting the space move-in ready was phase one. But the center, formerly known as the Senior Center, is in need of phase two renovations, dependent on a capital fundraising campaign, to make the space fully functional. With the start of the fall, the center has seen its usual influx of new and returning seniors, and has been managing the spike in members with unfinished work on the new location and incomplete program offerings.
“We still host a steady group of participants throughout the summer, but fall is our busiest time,” center supervisor Cindy Stahlman said. “In addition to our regular participants who return from summer vacations or get back to their regular schedule of visits, we always have new participants who sign up in the fall. This year it’s especially challenging because our Phase 2 renovation project isn’t fully completed.”
The Centre Region Council of Governments and Centre County Board of Commissioners helped fund basic renovations in phase one, and a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging made possible a kitchen and dining area.
According to Centre Region Parks and Recreation, which oversees the center, capital campaign fundraising is still under way to make the space usable for the variety of activities offered to area residents 55 and older, such as dance and band practice, card games, special presentations, seminars and classes and movies.
Stahlman said the fundraising campaign is needed to add wallâ€partitions, electrical upgrades, lighting and HVAC upgrades and additions, additional furnishings and other items for the center to be able to offer all of its programming. Until the needed funding is in place, program offerings will continue to be limited.
“The campaign goal was set at $100,000, and we’re just 30 percent of the way there in pledged dollars,” Stahlman said. “Many of our seniors have committed, along with their families, and some local individuals and businesses in the community, but we need more support. We’re seeking additional pledges from people and companies who want to make a difference for our local seniors.”
Seniors come to the center for different reasons, but for each of them it’s an important place in their day-to-day lives, Stahlman said.
‘They are retired and many live alone,’ she said. ‘Having the opportunity to be with friends, participate in physical activities, or to learn new skills has a lifeâ€changing impact.”
To make a pledge or for more information, contact Centre Region Parks and Recreation at (814) 231â€3071 or select the “Active Adult Center” section at www.crpr.org
