Newport Senior Center looking at another $79,000 for upgrade

By BRENDA BURNS
NEWPORT — If April Showers bring May Flowers and the rain makes the trees grow, then there should be a lot of money growing on trees this past week and days to come. If you are fortunate to have a few of those money-growing trees, we could desperately use a few dollars.

We are still experiencing some challenges as our renovations continue. It was frustrating this week to learn that the water line for the sprinkler system was not included in the bidding process at the beginning of this project. The estimated cost for the water line is $29,000, which is in addition to the $50,000 added cost we learned about a week earlier and the project is not yet complete.

You can only imagine the disappointment on the faces of the board members after learning this information and the many discussions to follow. One of the things I tried to get the board to focus on was their dedication to the seniors of today and the senior population over the next 20 years. This board took the initiative to face the facts head on and did not choose to leave the situation unattended for other boards to have to face years down the road.

Because of the many code upgrades from years of neglect, many of the costs are higher as a result. However, we are fortunate that the board stepped up to the challenge now, while we were able to obtain the $500,000 CDBG funds.

Things look bleak now, but we are going to get through this and end up with a state of the art facility that is code compliant and safe for many. The end result will not be as we originally planned because we are going to have to eliminate some of the things that were planned in order to reduce cost and some things did not get into the designs as planned.

We are in the process of writing four grants and will continue with fundraising. Our Penny Drive is ongoing and will continue throughout the project. Feel free to drop off any change you may have in our handcrafted penny box. Every penny really does count at this point.

Another great way to support our major renovation is to sponsor a walking tile. An indoor walking path will be constructed downstairs. This indoor walking path will be designed with 276 squares for a 200-foot long path. The indoor walking path will be climate controlled and protect you from the wilting sun and humidity. Consider sponsoring a square for $25. All donors will be recognized with some type of memorable plaque around the path.

We have had great response with our appeal letters that went out earlier this year. Thank you to all of you who have made generous donations. If you were not able to make a donation at the time the appeal letter was sent, it’s not too late.

Any person who wishes to make a donation to help preserve the future for all seniors can send a donation to: NSC Renovation Project, P.O. Box 387, Newport, N.H. 03773. You may not be a senior now, but one day you will be.