Construction projects at the Senior Center moving forward

Oct 22, 2018

There are big changes in the works at the Dartmouth Senior Center, and the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly are at the center of it.

The nonprofit organization has picked a contractor and is targeting a spring 2019 completion date for a new driveway, entrance, and landscaping project at the 628 Dartmouth Street senior center.

Once complete, a new driveway will connect the parking lot to the main entranceway to the Social Day program wing. Social Day is a supportive program for seniors designed to allow them to live independently in the community.

“They have to walk through the whole building to get to their wing,” explained Maria Connor, President of the Friends of the Elderly. “[Now], they’ll be dropped off right at the front door.”

The new driveway and entrance will include a canopy, shielding program attendees from inclement weather. It will also serve as emergency access for EMTs, as a majority of the center’s medical calls originate from the Social Day program.

Medeiros and Sons have been picked as a contractor. Pre-construction work will get underway soon. The full project will not be completed until next spring due to timing issues.

It’s not the only change coming to the Council on Aging. As part of the project, the grounds will receive a facelift with improved landscaping, and a new digital sign -- similar to the one in front of Dartmouth High School -- will be installed.

The Friends of the Elderly has been coordinating fundraisers to advance the $150,000 project for several years. The annual Gala at Round Hill, thrift store sales, and smaller dinners have met most of the costs, although Connor noted the group is always accepting donations.

The Friends of the Elderly is also gearing up for two major events. The annual Veterans Day breakfast is on November 9, beginning at 8:30 a.m. On November 3 at 10 a.m., there will be a dedication ceremony for a new Veterans Memorial Grove on the grounds of the center, built by the Dartmouth Veterans Advisory Board.

RSVP is required for the Veterans Day breakfast at the front desk of the Council on Aging or by calling (508) 999-4717.

For more information about donating to the Friends of the Elderly, contact Connor at (508) 636-6453.