Older Adult Center
was well worth the wait

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

How long did it take for the proposed Northeast Older Adult Center to finally open?
Salvatore “Sam” Luciano, president of the advisory council, joked that it seemed like “a million years.”
City Controller Alan Butkovitz recalls announcing a $1 million grant to the project during a news conference when he was a state representative. He kidded that the children playing tee-ball that day are now eligible for AARP cards.
On Monday, after years of steps forward and steps backward, the city held a grand opening celebration for the new center at Bustleton and Solly avenues. The fun is continuing all week, with dancing, singing, a tai chi demonstration, piano recital and health fair.
Leo Dignam, a deputy commissioner for the Department of Recreation, thanked local senior citizens for being patient. He described the building as a “gem.”
“It’s a beautiful facility,” he said. “We’re happy to have it open.”
The original center opened in 1982 at 7522 Castor Ave., in a strip mall with other businesses. Activities took place on the ground floor and in the basement.
“At Castor Avenue, we were one big family,” said member Peggy Fairchild.
But the facility was smallish, and it was difficult for some of the older seniors to go downstairs.
By 1984, only two years after the center opened, members formed a new building committee.
Eventually, a couple of possible sites surfaced.
The city suggested the center become part of the Gloria Dei retirement community at Rhawn Street and Dungan Road, but members balked. Members, with the support of then-City Councilman Dan McElhatton, eyed the vacant Bradford Park, but neighbors rejected the idea.
Finally, the city settled on a plan to build the Older Adult Center and a gymnasium on the Rhawnhurst Recreation Center property.
In June 2001, Butkovitz and then-Councilman Rick Mariano pledged a total of $3 million. The project was scheduled to be completed by late 2002.
Groundbreaking, though, was delayed for several reasons. Work eventually began on the massive project, which eliminated playground equipment and some of the tennis and basketball courts. The ball fields remain.
The project did not run smoothly. Delays were caused by a dispute involving subcontractors and a strike over the use of a non-union roofing company. Ultimately, a problem with roofing materials caused a leak.
The center and gymnasium both opened on March 31, with the final price tag in excess of $7 million.
Finishing touches are being put on the Pelbano Recreation Center, which will be used primarily by Rhawnhurst Athletic Association.
The Older Adult Center, one of six managed by the recreation department, still needs a few amenities — curtains, better acoustics and a hot lunch program — but initial reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Susan Slawson, commissioner of the Department of Recreation, cut the ceremonial ribbon with Butkovitz. She credited seniors with their persistence and commitment to see the project through to completion. She sees the facility as being safe and fun.
“Seniors deserve this,” she said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for senior adults.”
Ruth Hotz visits the center to play bridge, dance, eat lunch and socialize. She likes the center’s cleanliness and the fact that all activities are on one floor.
“We’re so thankful for this place,” she said. “We’ve waited a long time for it.”
Bill Gorbsky plays pinochle, poker and pool at the center, which he describes as being more spacious and modern than the previous site.
“It’s a lot cleaner,” he said.
The center, which is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes several pianos and rooms for computers, arts and crafts, dining and exercise. There’s a bookcase, magazine rack and multipurpose room with a television.
Outside, there are benches, landscaping, an off-street parking lot and new concrete along both Bustleton and Solly avenues.
The grand-opening festivities included appearances by Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez and state Rep. John Sabatina Jr., along with current center director Maria Ramirez and former directors Carole McKelvey and Brion Sirine. State Sen. Tina Tartaglione sent a citation.
Luciano and Fairchild accepted a plaque for being dedicated members of the new building committee. The plaque also recognized Helen Nanheim and Ida Shugerman, who have since died.
“I’m sure they’re up there somewhere, looking down now and seeing it,” Fairchild said.
Fairchild said the Castor Avenue site had its pluses, but the new center offers more.
The former site was on two levels, and seniors had to go up and down steps. Sure, there was a chair lift, but it was slow moving in case of an emergency.
The old location featured one main multipurpose room, with members having to put up and take down tables and chairs, depending on the activity. The new center has multiple rooms, including a designated dining area.
“I’m glad we have it,” Fairchild said of the new center. “We worked hard for it.” ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com