'Ray of Hope' for Bronx Senior Centers

The Daily News reports today (article doesn't seem to be available on their web site) that state legislators are proposing restoring $25 million in funding ti senior centers that Gov. Cuomo was planning to cut from the budget. The commissioner for the city's Department for the Aging says if the state money is restored then she can absorb any city cuts and still keep the 105 targeted centers open, 22 of which are in the Bronx. For a Norwood News story on the potential closure of the Bedford Park Senior Center, click here.

Bedford Park Seniors Facing Loss Of ‘Second Home’

Editor's note: this article was published in the latest edition of the Norwood News, out on streets now.

By Rachel Sander

Proposed budget cuts could shut down 105 senior centers citywide this year, 22 of which are in the Bronx, including the Sister Annunciata Bethel Senior Center, also known as the Bedford Park Senior Center, and the Van Cortlandt Senior Center.

Local politicians are gearing up for a fight, while regulars at the Bedford Park center, on East 204th Street near Mosholu Parkway, emphasized how devastating the loss would be.

Erneszstin Bakos, an 89-year-old member and volunteer for the center, works at the front door, greeting the 60 to 70 seniors that attend the center daily. “I love this place,” she said. “It’s my second home.”

“I’m so happy here! You get to meet people and make friends. It gets you out of the house and keeps you connected,” Isabel Cales said, adding that she has learned how to use the computer at the center. “Where else would I get the chance to do that?”

In addition to computer classes, the center offers a variety of activities and programs for seniors, such as bingo, movies, crochet, knitting, painting, and exercise classes.

“This is the only place where I’m not depressed,” Ramonita Marrero said. “Here you get to enjoy company, express yourself, play games, and ease your mind.”