By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
HILLSBOROUGH — What was once one large room filled with library materials and other storage items has been transformed into three separate spaces solely for use by Hillsborough’s senior citizens.
Hillsborough Senior Chapters A and B gathered together Monday to celebrate the opening of the new senior activity center in the municipal building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour through the area.
”The senior center activity room is a dream,” Dick Meier, president of Chapter A, told the group of about 200 seniors gathered in the 1,758-square-foot main room. “I hope you enjoy the rooms as much as Hillsborough hopes you enjoy them.”
In a separate interview, Mr. Meier said the project was first brought to his attention by Parks and Recreation Director Rich Resavy, who showed him the 3,000-square-foot room that was only used for storage at the time.
”I didn’t know this room existed, but Rich said it would be good for the seniors,” Mr. Meier said. “The idea was in January (2007), and it caught fire. This really happened faster than I thought it would.”
The construction of the activity center cost about $192,400, and was funded by developer contributions and a federal grant of $49,000 secured by Congressman Mike Ferguson, R-7th.
”Our success here demonstrates what can happen when everyone works together,” Mayor Anthony Ferrera said at the opening.
In addition to the main room, the center has a 537-square-foot game room which includes a pool table, card table and dartboard and a 415-square-foot computer room.
”I think this is wonderful,” Virginia Hutson, president of Chapter B, said. “This is a great addition for all the Hillsborough seniors.”
Many of the residents agreed that they are looking forward to spending time with their friends in the center.
”It will bring us a lot of happiness,” said Mary Rego, of Hillsborough Point.
Vincent Zujkowski, of Patridge Run, said he is surprised to see everything that is offered in the center.
”I was amazed to see it was this big,” he said. “I thought it would just be one room. But the pool table and computers will be used a lot.”
Still, for Mr. Zujkowski, there might be the opportunity to bring a bit more technology to the center with his suggestion for the addition of a Wii game system.
Several residents, including Route 206 resident Victor Bukovecky, said that, while they are happy with what they have in the center right now, they would not object to a few more game tables or other materials in the center in the future.
”We will hopefully be adding card tables and chairs, and a reading area,” Ms. Hutson said. “We could bring in additional equipment.”
Despite possible additions in the near future, Mr. Meier said, this is a great first step for the senior residents when they want a place all their own to spend time with their friends, and he would not currently change anything.
”This is a long time coming, and it is only for the seniors,” he said. “I envision that any day seniors want to, they can come stay here. I think this room is perfect the way it’s presented, and I think it’s good that Hillsborough backs the seniors.”
The center will be open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be managed by Tom Ormosi, director of Social Services, in coordination with Mr. Meier and Ms. Hutson.
