Stachowski and Polanski Announce Lackawanna Senior Center Project Completion

Stachowski and Polanski Announce Lackawanna Senior Center Project Completion

February 4, 2010
 
New York State Senator William T. Stachowski and City of Lackawanna Mayor Norman L. Polanski Jr. visited the Lackawanna Senior Center today, to announce and inspect the completion of a $200,000 building improvement project.
The Lackawanna Senior Center capital improvements were made possible through a New York State Legislative Grant, secured by Senator Stachowski, to refurbish the center, making the building safer and more secure, to better meet the needs of the seniors in the City of Lackawanna.

Joining Senator Stachowski and Mayor Polanski were Council President Chuck Jaworski, and members Abdul Noman, Geoffrey Szymanski, Francis Kulczyk, and Joseph Schiavi, along with the center’s seniors and staff.

Funds from the $200,000 grant allowed the Senior Center to; replace its outdated heating and air-conditioning system with a modern efficient and economical one, add a natural gas powered emergency generator which is critical because the facility is the hub of Lackawanna’s emergency action plans, resurface the once unsafe parking lot, and replace the over twenty year old roof and gutters, improving conditions for not only Lackawanna’s seniors, but all who use the facility.

“I want to acknowledge the contributions our seniors have made. Lackawanna’s members of the ‘Greatest Generation’ fought for this great country, worked here in Lackawanna when it was a world leader in the steel industry, and made Lackawanna a wonderful community for families to live. I am proud to have played a small part in improving the services available here for our seniors,” said Senator Bill Stachowski.

“This Center provides vital services to those who forged our community, and is an essential part of Lackawanna’s emergency and preparedness plans. It is my honor to have secured the funding to keep the Lackawanna Senior Center safe and secure for years to come.”

“The City of Lackawanna is grateful to Senator Stachowski, for his efforts to improve the lives of the seniors of Lackawanna,” Mayor Norman Polanski Jr stated. “Not having the finances available to do all that we have done here, the Senator saw the need and stepped in to improve the conditions for Lackawanna’s senior citizens.”
The Lackawanna Senior Center’s importance in community for both the seniors and others who use it is invaluable. The center has more than 300 seniors members who participate in their programs or gather here for lunch. Other programs available through the center are, exercise classes, driving instruction, dancing, arts and crafts, transportation van service throughout the community, and various clubs and organizations.

Executive Director, Michelle Baldelli, said that the State Legislative Grant secured by Senator Bill Stachowski will benefit all those who use the facility and enjoy the center’s many programs.