Pawling Senior Friendship Center to Reopen

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro and New York State Senator Greg Ball are  pleased the Dutchess County Office of the Aging will reopen its Senior Friendship Center next month (May) to serve Pawling, Beekman and surrounding area senior citizens. The Senior Friendship Center will be located at the Town Hall Annex at 154 Charles Coleman Boulevard in Pawling and will be open each Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm. County Executive Molinaro and Senator Ball invite residents to celebrate the “Grand ReOpening” at an Open House kick-off event on Thursday, May 9th from 11am to 1pm.

County Executive Molinaro said, “We are pleased to work together with the Town of Pawling, who generously provided the location, to bring back a Senior Friendship Center to Pawling.    We are also grateful to Senator Ball for his continued advocacy for our senior residents and partnership with the County.  I am thrilled we could bring this about for seniors in this special part of our county.  This collaboration has enabled us to open the center for socialization, recreation, nutrition… all key components of successful aging.”

Senator Greg Ball noted that he advocated for the return of the Pawling Senior Friendship Center after members of his Senior Advisory Council addressed the lack of a center as a concern for area seniors.   Last year, Senator Ball organized a barbecue which more than 150 seniors attended to show support for reopening the lunch program. “You learn much more while listening, rather than talking and I have heard from numerous seniors on this issue. The large turnout of seniors who attended last year’s event proved that Dutchess seniors genuinely want this program back, as they simply cannot drive the long distance north currently required,” said Senator Greg Ball. “I am grateful that by working with the community and County Executive Molinaro that the Seniors will once again enjoy their lunch program, much closer to home.”

Dutchess County’s Senior Friendship Centers offer nutritious meals combined with social activities and fellowship for senior citizens to enjoy. All Pawling and surrounding area senior citizens are welcome to attend this Senior Friendship Center. A noontime meal is available to seniors age 60 and over for a suggested donation of just $3. Transportation is available to the center for area residents who do not have a car.  Participants will also be eligible to go on weekly shopping trips for groceries.

Town of Pawling Supervisor David Kelly said, “The Pawling Senior Friendship Center has been missed by local seniors and we are pleased we could assist in its reopening by working together with the County and providing a location. We look forward to our seniors enjoying this successful partnership!”

Dutchess County Legislator John Thomes, who represents District  23 - Pawling/Beekman/East Fishkill, said,  “The reopening of the Pawling Senior Friendship Center is great news!  We are thrilled our area seniors will again have a location to gather with friends, enjoy activities and a hot meal.”

The Pawling Senior Friendship Center is reopening as a pilot program for the balance of 2013. If successful, the Dutchess County Office of the Aging will seek to include permanent funding in the 2014 county budget for the center.

To learn more about the Pawling Senior Friendship Center and to make a reservation or make transportation arrangements, call the Dutchess County Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555. 

Learn more about Dutchess County’s eight Senior Friendship Centers throughout the county and the programs.