Yorktown Unveils Renovated Nutrition Center

Yorktown senior citizens, who had been waiting for months for the to be complete, now have a well-lit and "inviting" room to play bingo, organize dances or have lunch. 

"I think it's just wonderful," said Jennie Menton-Grasso, who is the vice-president of the St. Patrick's senior club and was the one who initiated the efforts to receive money from the county. "We can't have a stand alone senior center, but we need the next best thing."

Renovations of the room included placing more doors for easier access, putting in windows to allow for natural light, new tiles and painting, as well as a creating a folding partition to divide the current room into two rooms or be left folded when a larger space is required. The heating and air conditioning were also replaced. 

The project cost more than $500,000, according to Yorktown planning director and project manager John Tegeder. The town spent approximately $300,000 in reserved funds set aside to be used specifically for seniors, and the rest of the money came from and money from the county. 

"It's always nice to see [the seniors] in a space that works better and they have a nice space to come and enjoy with their friends," said Norma Drummond, deputy commissioner for the Westchester County department of planning.

Senior citizens, town and county officials gathered on Friday for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the nutrition center. The seniors who attended the ceremony said they were happy with the renovations.

Nutrition and senior services director for the town Mary DeSilva, was in tears as she thanked the various people who helped make the nutrition center renovations a reality.

"I want to thank everybody, this has been a long time coming," DeSilva said. "I am very happy for the seniors that are here and I think of the future seniors coming in and enjoying the programs and services. Every single [senior is] very important to me. [They] have a very special place in my heart."

The center offers nutrition programs, home meals, grocery shopping, a wellness program and transportation to medical appointments for the seniors in Yorktown.

Gil Kaufmann, chairman of the senior advisory committee who has lived in Yorktown for more 29 years, said it is important for seniors to get out of their homes, socialize with people and stay active. 

"You feel happy when you come in," Kaufmann said of the nutrition center. "The place looked like a dungeon before."