Lewisboro needs a dedicated Senior Center
An entire generation of senior citizens in Lewisboro have been using the town firehouse as a “temporary” senior center.
They are allowed use of a room for one day a week.
When they are done, everything belonging to the seniors’ group must be packed up and taken home. Because the Fire Department needs and uses this room the other 6 days a week.
And as generous as the Fire Department has been … 20 years is a long time to turn over such a large space to an outside group every seven days.
Why has this gone on for two decades?
Because no one in Lewisboro town government is prioritizing the needs of our older neighbors.
When residents raised $200,000 for the town park and an update playground, they got a $400,000 state grant, but were still short of funds. So our Lewisboro Town Board took $350,000 from ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funds to cover the difference.
Other ARPA funds have been used to pay for sheds, park bathrooms, and various other projects throughout town.
Recently at the Lewisboro Town Board meeting, they discussed using the remaining $500,000 of ARPA funds for the pool and other repair projects around our town.
Senior citizens never came up in that discussion. Nor did the creation of a permanent, dedicated senior citizen center for Lewisboro.
Playgrounds are great. Bike lanes are wonderful. Parks and pools are amazing.
But seniors are our greatest resource.
They fought and bled for our country, have a lifetime of experience and perspective no one will ever have again. They grew up, married, had children, and grandchildren, ran businesses. Worked day and night. They lived and loved and sacrificed to build a better future for those who came after them.
And they are singularly responsible for Lewisboro being the wonderful, vibrant town it is today.
I think it’s time we move to create a permanent, dedicated senior center for the town of Lewisboro.
Political realities being what they are, the smart approach is to raise funds through a 501(c)(3) entity, with a board of directors representing a cross spectrum of Lewisboro leaders, of all political persuasions, from every walk of life.
I am committed to this project, regardless of the outcome of this election, and will welcome civic and political leaders to join us, regardless of party, ideology, and would work with anyone who shares our vision of a better future for Lewisboro seniors.
As I mentioned, there is local precedent for this kind of plan.
When Lewisboro residents petitioned the Town Board about that town park and the playground, they were told to raise the money themselves.
So they did.
Their hard work and determination paid off.
I have two young children, so the park and playground has been a wonderful addition to our town.
But a senior center is something long overdue. And it is sorely needed.
Imagine a place seniors can visit seven days a week. Where they can keep books and games. Watch classic films together. Maybe go outside and play pickleball with a friend. Where they can improve their computer skills, or just have a conversation with people who’ve lived as long as they have, laughing at bad jokes together.
So where should this new Lewisboro Senior Center be located?
The only town building that immediately comes to mind is the Cyrus Russell House. It would need much work — and might need to be taken down to the studs. It is town-owned, and otherwise seems viable for a senior center.
Other sites may suggest themselves. And we welcome ideas from everyone.
But we should start now.
Before another generation of Lewisboro seniors passes into history.
Since writing this editorial, I’ve spoken with many seniors and other Lewisboro residents. The Cyrus Russell House and LES (the old Lewisboro Elementary School) are high on many people’s lists, especially since LES is already rented by the town for various government offices. Purchasing the LES might be the best approach.