I am delighted to report that Hadley townspeople appear to support the construction of a new senior center as evidenced by over 600 signatures on a petition to include a warrant article for the fall Town Meeting.
It is most important for seniors to remain strong, healthy and independent for themselves as well as their families. A well-planned senior center is inviting and will offer more seniors a place to go to get exercise, mentally stimulating classes, social companionship from others and food to boot (!) to help them continue to be healthy and independent.
This is a win/win for everyone. It is heartwarming to realize that our citizens recognize that seniors do not flourish in a building with no air conditioning, mold issues, restrooms designed for 11-year-olds, chipped asbestos floor tiles, a cranky, intimidating elevator, many sets of stairs and ceiling tiles which might drop on them at any moment.
Retrofitting the current site would cost $3.2 million with no air conditioning, according to the study done by the town building committee.
Hadley seniors have often spent their whole lives making this town the wonderful place to live that it is.
Thank you to all who vote to say “Thank you” to the seniors!
Lynne Edwards
Hadley