After 40 Years, Georgetown Senior Center Serves Its Last Lunch
By • October 7, 2024 0 14
“It is with deep sadness that l am writing to let you know of the closing of the Georgetown Senior Center,” wrote Wendy Erlanger, the center’s president and secretary, to friends and supporters. “Despite our best efforts, rising costs and declining enrollment made continuing operations unsustainable. Specifically, repairing our van’s broken engine and recruiting seniors in a post-Covid environment were daunting and, ultimately, insurmountable obstacles.
“For more than 40 years, we were able to provide our community’s older adults with a warm, welcoming place to gather and enjoy home-cooked lunches, light exercise and engaging programs. Thanks to your unwavering and very generous support, we enriched the lives of countless seniors. We are grateful for your donations as well as in-kind contributions, whether they be meals, entertainment, electronic communications or transportation. In all these ways and more, you helped sustain us and enabled us to serve an often-neglected segment of our community.”
The Georgetowner was involved with the Georgetown Senior Center almost from the start. The center’s legendary founder, Virginia Allen, earned the affection and respect of David Roffman, former publisher of the newspaper.
In her closure announcement, Erlanger added a special note to Georgetowner Publisher Sonya Bernhardt and Editor-in-Chief Robert Devaney, writing: “Sonya & Robert, thanks so much for everything you have done for the Senior Center over the years — the free advertising, the wonderful articles (often with photos) and, of course, the holiday benefits, which involved so much planning and organization.
“The parties were so festive and always went smoothly, thanks to your efforts. I remember every single detail. Plus, the seniors really enjoyed being the focus of attention. We can’t thank you enough for being such stalwart supporters. All your hard work for us and the community is greatly appreciated.”
