Senior/Community center fundraising project is nearing its goal

The “temperature goal” for the Patronicity project is close to its zenith!

by Marsha Chartrand

“It’s hard to believe,” says Pat Vailliencourt, head of the Patronicity Campaign attempting to raise funds to renovate the new senior citizens quarters at City Hall.

With 37 more days to raise $50,000, the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council is literally getting closer every minute. Once the full $50,000 is raised, a matching amount will double those funds and provide a $100,000 grant to the City to help complete the project. Right now, with more than $45,000 raised, it’s almost close enough to taste it!

The Manchester Area Seniors Citizens (MASC) have never had a place to call home. The City of Manchester is partnering with MASC and has committed to a 1,200-square-foot area, rent free, for the seniors to renovate for a permanent community center.

The Center will serve as a safe place for seniors to have meals and engage in educational and social activities. It will also be available for intergenerational activities and for use for other community activities. This campaign will allow Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council (MASCC) to secure the final portion of funding needed to complete the transformation of the space into a fully functional community gathering space and center for our seniors.

​The Project Details

The seniors’ new “home” is currently used as cold storage. The space is a part of the Manchester City Hall  (formerly the old Ford Building) at 912 City Rd. The project renovation includes HVAC, new windows (with a view of the river and the woods), new ceiling tiles, flooring, furniture, a kitchen, a handicap bathroom, storage area, and a handicap access door direct from the parking lot.

This campaign will allow them to complete the final features within the space, including:

• HVAC for entire area
• carpeting for activity area
• new flooring for kitchen and bath
• handicap bathroom
• plumbing and wiring
• kitchen, complete with appliances, stainless-steel tables, sinks, freezer, refrigerator, and cabinetry
• private handicap entry from parking lot
• interior lighting
• two large windows for natural lighting with a view of the River Raisin and the woods
• rear exterior door for access to riverside patio
• TV for educational and entertainment material
• two comfortable chairs and bookcases for relaxing/reading area
• tables and chairs for activities and meals
• storage area

Some of the activities that will take place in the space will include:

• daily activities such as playing cards, working puzzles, socializing
• monthly activities like birthday celebrations, guest speakers, quilting
• annual events, including holiday parties
• ​healthy, nutritional lunches
• social activities
• health and safety programs
• intergenerational events and activities

Vailliencourt says that other than two large grants from Worth Repeating and 5 Healthy Towns, almost all of the donations are small, out-of-pocket donations from “regular people.” She believes this is a point of pride for the community support the Center is receiving.

It should be an easy home stretch, but don’t forget about this pressing need for Manchester’s seniors. To make a donation of your own, click here: https://www.patronicity.com/project/manchester_area_senior_center_and_community_event_center#!/

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.