Bentleyville Senior Center reopens
Nearly 70 people attended an open house at the Bentleyville Senior Center on Aug. 16.
The celebratory event marked the reopening of the center, located at 931 Main Street, following renovations spanning back to late 2016.
The senior center is operated by Aging Services of Washington County, a subcontractor of Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging.
Members from several Washington County senior centers and organizations assisted during the open house. Washington County commissioners Larry Maggi, Diana Irey Vaughan and Harlan G. Shober Jr., were also on hand to congratulate Aging Services of Washington County and Bentleyville Senior Center members on the completion of the long-anticipated renovations to their community center.
Cook Carrie Sprowls in the new kitchen
“We are so happy about the renovation of our Senior Center,” said Mary Lynn Spilak, director of Aging Services of Washington County. “The community has been so supportive, especially the Bentleyville Library.”
The senior center renovations, which began in 2016, were part of a $400,000 Bentleyville Borough Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for the Bentworth Community Center Building project. Half of the funding was secured through grants, with the remaining from donations and pledges from individuals, organizations, businesses, and local municipalities. The library’s board of trustees was instrumental in advancing the project.
During the renovations, the senior center was temporarily housed in the St. Katharine Drexel Hall at 208 Abromaitis Street.
The renovations included the addition of a redesigned, handicap-accessible ramp and entrance, complete interior remodel, and a redesigned kitchen with new storage and appliances.
A row of columns provide separation in the open-floor plan between a spacious dining room with adjoining billiards area and the other spaces available for daily activities offered at the center, such as Wii bowling, bingo, and cards. It is a bright, open, welcoming space that also features a “Coffee Corner,” private offices, a musical organ and exercise equipment.
The Bentleyville Community Library, located on the second floor of the Center, also underwent extensive renovations.
Refreshments were served and an auction featuring many prizes was held.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Ramp
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Renovations included the addition of a redesigned, handicap-accessible ramp and entrance.
- Where: Washington Crown Center, 1500 W. Chestnut St.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20
- What: About 150 local, state and federal agencies and businesses, all of which provide a range of services and programs for individuals 55 and over