Now, in the beginning of its eighth year, the Hopewell Valley Senior Advisory Board believes this will be the year “the senior center for which we have so long campaigned will become a reality.
”With County Executive Brian Hughes’ announced future approval of a $1,500,000 matching grant, the Pennytown-Marshall’s Corner project as a site, and a $400,000 Small Cities Grant available, it’s time to move forward,” said SAB Chairman Larry Mansier.
Following up on this, Bill Farmer, Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation chairman, said: “We have the public support of state Sen. Shirley Turner and our meeting with a liaison of Sen. Frank Lautenberg suggested that further funds could be available. However, we were told there has to be a commitment from the local governments.”
He added, “There also seems to be Hopewell Township funds available.”
The present Hopewell Valley Senior Center is basically a one-room structure. “which severely limits the number of programs that can be offered to seniors” — a group that makes up 20 percent of the Valley’s population.
The nine other Mercer County senior centers are in the 10,000-square-foot category — thus eliminating any space limitations.
Abigail Waugh, Hopewell Valley Senior Services coordinator, “through her creative scheduling and employing other sites, has been able to expanded offerings to some extent,” said a spokesman.
In addition, the Hopewell Valley Senior Foundation, through the use of grants and donations, has funded a handicapped restroom renovation, an automatic door opener, a defibrillator and new lighter weight tables.
The foundation also underwrites Explorations, a volunteer-organized-and-led series of senior learning experiences each spring and fall. Hopewell Township sponsors the program.
Summing it up, one board member said: “We’ve been at this a long time. But, we’re here for the long haul. We sincerely believe it is our responsibility, not only for today’s seniors, but for those in the future, to make this happen.”
The HVSAB meets the third Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Hopewell Valley Senior Center, Reading Street, Pennington. These meetings are open and the public is encouraged to attend. Further information, including meeting minutes, can be found at: http://www.hvseniors.org/.

