A Friend To Seniors: Senator Murphy Announces $550,000 Grant To Renovate Carmel Friendship Center

CARMEL, NY – As part of his continued efforts to improve the quality of life for senior citizens in the Hudson Valley, Senator Murphy has announced he has secured a $550,000 grant to renovate the Carmel Friendship Center.

“The renovations will increase the Center’s square footage and give it a more modern look, which will inspire more seniors to engage in the programs and services the Center has to offer,” said Senator Murphy. “Common sense is not so common in Albany. We have to continue to work together to keep our seniors in New York, whether this means lowering taxes or getting the funding to renovate the Friendship Center.”

The renovations will transform the Center into a state-of-the-art, energy efficient facility with a room for information and technology, as well as an area to expand the Center’s senior programs.

“Approximately one in four of Putnam’s residents are over the age of 60,” said Putnam County Executive Odell. “Our seniors are a vital foundation in our county. We depend on them for their wisdom, experience, and volunteerism, which consistently fills gaps in our community — and within our families. We owe it to our seniors to modernize the Friendship Center to make it a better place for them to socialize, stay connected and keep healthy.”

Carmel Town Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt added, “The Center is a good place for seniors to meet new friends, get involved in exercising and to have a good meal. It is time the Center was renovated, and I want to thank Senator Murphy for getting the funds to make this project a reality.”

“Our seniors are very important to us,” said Putnam County Legislator Carl Albano. “Senator Murphy has done a lot in Albany to pass legislation to help seniors throughout the state. I am looking forward seeing to the long-anticipated improvements to the Center.”

Improvements to the Carmel Friendship Center will include:

Additional space dedicated for use by seniors,

• An improved and expanded exercise area,
• An improved and expanded arts and crafts room,
• New interview and counseling rooms,
• Expanded nutrition counseling rooms,
• Improved pantry and lunch areas,
• And improved access to the building for the handicapped.

Looking around the room at the seniors applauding the news of the Center’s refurbishment, the Hon. James Reitz, Putnam County Court Judge commented, “There are many important people her today that deserve thanks, especially the people we serve. You have a real friend in Senator Murphy, who listened to your needs and responded. The work he is doing on behalf of seniors and his efforts to solve the heroin problem are commendable.”

“The Seniors from Patterson, Southeast, Carmel and Kent who frequent the Friendship Center in Carmel along with the team at the Office for Senior Resources are very grateful for the efforts that Senator Murphy has extended to bring this grant to fruition,” said Patricia Sheehy, Director of the Putnam County Office for Senior Resources, “The funds will allow us to carry out the much needed renovations transforming our over crowed 1960’s Nutrition Center into a twenty-first century facility that will be a warm and welcoming center where our seniors can get together!”