Rep. Ackert Joins Vernon Seniors in Welcoming New Center

HARTFORD- State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) spent a few hours Monday surrounded by his fellow lawmakers, local municipal leaders, and area residents as part of a tour and grand opening ceremony of a new Senior Center location in Vernon.

The Vernon Senior Center will provide a wide array of services such as trips, holiday parties, picnics, blood pressure screenings, and income tax assistance to area residents ages 55 and older. The 14,000 ft2 facility also features a billiards room, fitness center, library, medical rooms, creative art room, café, auditorium, conference room, and four multi-purpose rooms.

“Getting to where we are today was truly a collaborative effort and it speaks volumes to the team mentality Vernon has in getting something like this done for our seniors,” Rep. Ackert said. “So many people put in countless hours making this beautiful facility happen and I’m thoroughly impressed with how this center has turned out.”

According to Maureen Gabriele, Senior Center Director, the need for a new facility centered on an increase in interest among area seniors and a lack of adequate space and parking at the previous Park Place site. Gabriele said that since moving to the new site membership enrollment has increased 30%.

“This facility will provide our 55 and older residents with a vast array of fun and exciting things to do on a daily basis,” Rep. Ackert said. “Maureen and her staff have really done an amazing job of thinking of it all.”

Beginning Tuesday, April 10th until Friday, April 13th the center will be closed for programs but will remain open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for tours, new membership registrations, or for current members to pick up their new scan cards. The center will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 16th.

New members will receive an photo identification card that will provide access to the building during operational hours. The onetime membership fee is $10 for Vernon residents and $15 for non-residents.

Representative Ackert also presented the center with a legislative citation to officially commemorate its grand opening.

For more information about the Vernon Senior Center please visit their website or call (860) 870-3680.