Senator Avella Saves Additional Senior Center From Closure

Avella secured an additional $100,000 in funding as part of the State Executive Budget

(College Point, Queens) Senator Tony Avella was joined today by members of the North Flushing Senior Center at College Point at a press conference to announce crucial $100,000 funding allocation by Senator Avella that will allow the center to continue to operate. 

Much like the Greater Whitestone Taxpayer Civic Association and Senior Center, the North Flushing Senior Center at College Point was also in imminent danger of closing its doors by the end of the year due to lack of funding. 

Senator Avella tirelessly advocated for additional monies to keep the center open and was able to deliver on his promise after joining the Independent Democratic Conference in February.  The much needed funding was allocating during this year’s Executive Budget negotiations. 

Senator Avella stated, “This funding allocation has been a top priority for me ever since I was elected three years ago and I am very glad that I was able to finally accomplish this vital goal. We cannot allow our seniors to be left without a center which helps them remain active and vibrant.  Some of these senior centers have been in operation for several decades and it was not an option to let them close their doors. Fortunately, they will no longer have to think about that for years to come.”

Ms. Betty Farone, Director of the Senior Center, stated that, “the College Point Senior Center is the fun place to be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The members get to participate in exercise and dance classes with our wonderful teacher Gail Freeman. They also play different games of cards, bingo, baccarat, rummy, etc. But most of all, they enjoy the companionship of each other.  For some, this is the only place where they get together and socialize. It gives them a reason to get dressed and go out to meet friends instead of sitting around in a house and watching TV. These centers are so greatly needed for our seniors who worked so hard to make this country great.  We thank Senator Avella from the bottom of our hearts for this funding, which is an immense help.”