Seven Area Senior Centers May Close--Senator Gianaris Fights to Keep them Open (Queens Chronicle, March 10, 2011)
Seven area senior centers may close
by Elizabeth Daley, Editor
03/10/2011
...
Seven centers in western Queens are on the chopping block, according to a list released last week.
Astoria resident Josephine Forlano, 85, is not happy with the governor’s plans. “We were the backbone of the country. Here we did our part, and we are getting the dirty end of everything,” Forlano said.
She visits Catholic Charities’ Steinway Senior Center in Astoria, which is now in jeopardy. She used to organize trips for the center, and said the revenue produced by the tours and by the center’s other activities should be recognized as useful by the government.
The Steinway center is located four blocks from Forlano’s home and if it closes, she said she wasn’t sure what she would do. “I was happy to have some place to go out and join people and be happy for the last few years of our life. We are not asking for much,” she said.
“Our seniors have done so much for us, the least we can do is make sure they have the ability to enjoy their golden years with respect and dignity,” (Senator Michael) Gianaris said
