Newport Senior Center renovations continue to move forward

BY BRENDA BURNS
The Newport Senior Center is not just for Newport residents. We have had a lot of inquiries from people living in other towns wondering if they can participate in Newport Senior Center activities. Simply put, yes!

The Senior Center is located in Newport, but with the SCNS program our service area is Sullivan County and it does not stop there. We have visitors from Marlow, Florida, Lebanon, Plainfield, Sunapee, and the lists goes on, that visit the center to participate in the multitude of activities offered.

You must be at least 50 years young to be a member of the Newport Senior Center. Due to state regulations, any person who participates in bingo each Wednesday must be at least 55 years young. State and Federal regulations require individuals to be 60 years young or older to participate in the congregate meal program.

It is our mission to reduce hunger and food insecurity, promote socialization and the health and well-being of older adults. We are preparing ourselves to be able to continue this mission as the senior population gets ready to explode.

We are well underway with adding an additional 4,000 square feet to our facility. The walls downstairs are ready for their last coat of color. Yes, there will be color downstairs. No more neutral tans, beige or off-white colors. Most doors have been installed downstairs and will be urethane next week. VCT, vinyl composite tile was installed this week in the entry way to the kitchen. The same type of flooring was installed in the newly expanded kitchen or what used to be the old board room.

The Sprinkler Fitters were here all week installing the sprinklers throughout the building. The sprinklers are installed downstairs and work will continue upstairs until all sprinklers are installed. There is one room designated downstairs that will house all of the mechanical equipment for the sprinkler system. A six-inch water line will still need to be installed from across the street.

There will be two bathrooms downstairs. One of the bathrooms has a shower installed. The shower is important in the event that we are requested to open the center as an emergency shelter.

Next week, contractors will begin erecting the ceiling grid for the basement. The LED flat panel lights are already on-site and ready to be installed. The electrician has assured us that the lighting will be phenomenal once completed.

Stanley elevator was here this week to inspect what has been completed on the elevator shaft. As a safety precaution, they are requiring us to waterproof the interior of the elevator pit. This will come as an added $1,250 expense. We are also required to install a telephone into the elevator in the event of an emergency. We are currently working with the telephone company to get this set up.

We are still below our goal on funding this enormous project. Join us on Sunday as many NSC volunteers cook up a delicious breakfast buffet from 8-10 a.m. The cost will be $6.