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History
IN THE BEGINNING
SOROPTIMIST SURVEY
In 1956, the Newark Soroptimist, a business
women’s service organization, part of the Soroptimist Federation of the
Americas, recognized the growing need for senior citizen activities and
adopted it as their long range service project. A survey revealed many of
the city’s older residents needed help, not so much financial, as they
missed the friendship of people their age. “They found men and women living
alone or in unfamiliar locations with no chance of companionship…” (Thomas
L. Lilley, Founding Member).
The story of the Newark Senior Center began
the summer of 1957 when the Soroptimists found a place for interested older
people to meet together. Forty-four older men and women began to gather in
the Meeting Room of the Newark Department Store in the Newark Shopping
Center on a regular basis. Very shortly that room became too small and the
Newark New Century Club kindly offered to provide a larger room for their
meetings. Here the group continued to increase in numbers and began service
activities.
In his history of Newark Senior Center,
Thomas Lilley writes about the move to the New Century Club…
“…we were able to have more games of
interest to the members. Also there was a sewing group who made hospital
gowns for the Red Cross. On special occasions we were able to have speakers
and picnics. In the summer we would take a bus trip to some interesting
place. There were no dues… everyone dropped a little money in a dish inside
the door……….Mrs. Charles Eisner, a Century Club member, did an outstanding
job of leadership. She spent many hours… visiting the sick, remembering
birthdays and arranging transportation for members to and from club
meetings, and arranging for programs to interest the members and make their
visits more enjoyable. Mr. and Mrs. Francis McCann gave much time to
securing donations of materials, money and volunteer labor…”
HOME OF THEIR OWN
A milestone for older Americans was reached
in 1965 when the Older Americans Act became law with passage by Congress.
This meant that funding would be coming to states to help support services
for older adults. The State of Delaware followed with the appointment of a
Commission on Aging.
The seniors moved closer to a home of their
own on November 8th of that year, when Mayor Norma Handloff, pictured above
on the right and the City Council of Newark granted permission for the use
of the unused city owned Water Works Building at 300 East Main Street, (This
building is currently the home of the Newark United Church of Christ and
still bears a plaque designating it the Water Works Building.) In addition
the City agreed to lease the building for ninety-nine years at $1.00 per
year and donated $20,800 for renovations.
Through the cooperative efforts of the
City, the Soroptimists, Newark Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs work was done
on the building to make it a comfortable gathering place. Building
contractors and interested individuals donated the substantial sum of
$12,000 to help offset the costs. The end result was an attractive place
for seniors to call home, located conveniently to shopping areas, public
transportation and the nearby Newark Senior Housing units and other
apartments.
On May 9th, 1966 the Center was
incorporated by the State of Delaware as a “not for profit” organization.
With that, the Newark Senior Center was official.
The first Board of Directors was chosen,
representing all walks of life as well as people from the Newark Senior
Citizens Club.
Name Representing
Margaret Alden Newark Soroptimist Club
Clarence A. Bader Kiwanis Club
Horace Bomar Newark Rotary Club
Ben J. Campagna City of Newark
Melissa Eisner Newark Century Club
George Haney Newark Lions Club
Florence Hester Newark Soroptimist Club
Thomas Lilley Newark Senior Citizens
Club
Naomi H. McCann Newark Soroptimist Club
Richard McCann Attorney at
Law
Dorothy Patterson United Church
Women
Glenn Smoot Newark Recreation
Association
Racine Stafford Newark
Chamber of
Commerce
Fred Wakefield Newark City
Council
On June 6th the Newark Senior Center
building was dedicated.
In August, 1966 with federal funds, Jean
Anthes was hired as a full time Director.
Saturday, September 24th was the grand
opening!
The Newark Senior Center had begun!
THE EARLY DAYS
In the annual report for 1967, Mrs. Anthes
reported:
“The Center’s program activities included a
Senior Citizens Club, Men’s Club, Bingo, crafts, bridge, bowling teams, and
an art class. Many parties and social events were given and hosted by local
organizations such as, Newark Kindergarten Association, Home Economics
Extension Clubs, sororities, garden clubs, University of Delaware dormitory
students, Church Women United and the Tri-Hi-Y of Newark High
School…….Transportation for those needing it was begun by volunteers and
staff and later by a mini-bus”.
NEW LEADERSHIP
In August 1967 Center’s leadership changed
hands and Gertrude Johnson became the Executive Director. She was soon
joined by Margaret Fraser as Secretary. (Margaret still supports the staff
and Center members as secretary.)
Through writings left by Gertrude, who died
in September 2004, we have these memories, “My first impression (of the
Center) was how tastefully and how well it was furnished. It was homey and
inviting and that was an important decision made by the Board of
Directors…. The idea of the Senior Center was a new concept to me, and it
was an exciting challenge. We were free to plan programs and the direction
for the center, always with the goal of meeting the needs of Newark’s
elderly. We had wonderful volunteers to help serve it.”
Historical records also note the words of
Margaret (Peggy Cronin) Alden, Soroptimist, and President of the Board of
Directors, who made these remarks to the Center’s members in March 1970,
“…it seems remarkable to me that in a comparatively short time, less than
four years, the Newark Senior Center has the largest membership of any
similar community institution in the state. This statistic implies that
someone is doing something right. I would be remiss if I were to forget
persons and organizations who have given so generously of their resources to
make the Center possible. I believe much of the credit for the progress of
the Center belongs to its membership – to you ladies and gentlemen… I am
continually amazed when I hear of the voluntary services you perform…”
That year another survey was completed
entitled, “What Are the Needs of Newark’s Elderly?” It was authorized and
financed by the State Commission on Aging, and was prepared by the Bureau of
Economics and Business Research at the University of Delaware. It made this
comment about the Newark Senior Center “This project is a fine example of
how a Senior Center should be operated. It offers the full spectrum of the
usual crafts, arts, and such programs, as well as information and referral
services and also attractive outreaching activities.”
PROGRAM AND BUILDING EXPAND
Following the survey in 1970, the Board of
Directors added a full time Director of Social Services, Hildegard Long
Benefield, who broadened the program. The first Health Forum was held and
information was presented on Social Security, housing, medical assistance,
employment and volunteer services.
In 1972 a major addition was completed that
included a large Activity Room, three staff offices, and an expanded kitchen
at the East Main Street location. This addition, which nearly doubled the
size of the building, was financed by fundraising projects and donations.
With the enlarged kitchen facility the
Center began serving soup and sandwich for lunch. Although other senior
centers started at this time served lunch, the depended on Federal funding
to run the program. The Board of Newark chose instead to charge a small fee
for a modest lunch of soup and sandwich, subsidizing it when necessary.
Mrs. Johnson remarked in the 1972 Annual
Report, “the added kitchen area…enables us to serve 100 or more people with
no problem. The Board members are to be commended for their cooperation in
this area.”
STAFF AND SERVICES GROW
Requests for the delivery of meals to
homebound elderly were increasing, so the Center asked religious
organizations to help them address this need. They asked for the use of
their kitchens for a couple of weeks a month, and volunteers to deliver the
meals. Gertrude Stansel took on the difficult job of administering the
program. She remained its able and willing leader when the program moved
into the expanded Center on Main Street. This move came about in 1981 when
one last building addition was completed –a new commercial sized kitchen and
a large room for two regulation pool tables. This was paid for by Federal
Community Development Block Grant funds, which were obtained through the
City of Newark.
Mrs. Dorothy Christman followed Mrs. Long
as Social Services Director. Collaboration began with AARP’s “55 Alive”
Driving Program, IRS Tax Assistance, the Social Security Administration and
Senior Legal Aid. As programs and services increased additional paid staff
was needed. New staff included, a driver for the minibus, a cook and a
part-time bookkeeper. By 1979 it was time to add another staff member, and
Margaret Catts was hired as part-time Program and Food Services Director.
Two years later in August of 1981, members
and staff were very sad to say goodbye to Gertrude Johnson, who retired
after fourteen years at the helm. Mrs. Johnson set the solid framework that
has allowed the Center to be independently unique throughout the state. She
set a basic operating philosophy that is followed to the present day.
Margaret Catts was appointed Executive Director and followed the foot steps
established in the beginning.
Sandy Drummond became Social Services
Director when Dorothy Christman retired. More staff changes occurred when
Eileen Thomas became Program Activities Director, Sadie Meakin as Food
Services Director and later Olive Hicks became the Meals on Wheels
Coordinator.
GROWING MEMBERSHIP - INCREASING PROGRAMS
By 1988 the membership had reached 1600. A
new term, “Wellness”, turned attention to enabling older people to have as
active and fulfilling a life as possible. The scope of programs offered
included, among other topics, health, exercise, energy conservation,
insurance coverage, and fire prevention. Resource professionals came to
monitor blood pressures, help with tax forms and answer questions on legal
aid, Social Security, insurance and finances. A series of classes attended
to the problems of hearing impairment. The monthly Newsletter contained
nutrition tips and job opportunities. Two Support Groups started for those
with Arthritis and caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s disease,
which was one of the first such groups in Delaware.
For everyone’s good health a monumental
decision was made to make the Center smoke free!! Once again the Center was
shown to be in the forefront of a movement.
By this time both a Choral Group and a
Drama Group, both started around 1970, were presenting shows for members as
well as other senior centers, nursing homes and the general public at Chapel
Street Playhouse. They even took their show on the road to the “Big Apple”.
The bus routes were enlarged as the
membership grew. As well as transporting members to and from the Center,
the bus was used to provide weekly shopping service and for short excursion
trips. In addition, volunteers were recruited to assist with transportation
to doctors’ appointments, clinics and the Nemours Clinics in Wilmington for
prescriptions, eyeglasses and dental care.
From the beginning making arts and crafts
items was an important activity that gave much pleasure to many Center
members. In 1988 it also became a solid source of income when many
spectacular gift ideas were displayed and sold in the Wise Owl Shop (now
called the Gift Shoppe) This consignment shop was organized by a group of
volunteers from the Newark Social and Charitable Club, under the very
capable hands of Kay Kaminski and numerous volunteers from the Center.
VOLUNTEERS ARE ESSENTIAL
Volunteers were, and are today,
indispensable in all aspects of NSC. They have contributed thousands of
hours as Board of Directors, drivers, teachers, discussion leaders,
craftsmen, reception desk volunteers, musicians, actors, and food and
dessert makers. Each year from 1966 on, one day is set aside to honor and
give thanks to these very special people.
Meals on Wheels is one program that could
not have been offered if it were not for volunteers. In 1987 volunteers
gave 4,102 hours delivering meals, and making desserts. Homemade desserts
were especially appreciated by the recipients and still are made possible by
very faithful coordinators arranging for them through community volunteers.
As the need for meal delivery expanded,
Maryland Bank of North America, MBNA, then a new corporation, offered to
start delivering one route. Geriatric Services helped with the delivery of
another route. This allowed for an even larger territory of service. MBNA
also donated $14,000 for kitchen renovations. In 1992 Natalie Smith joined
the staff as Food Services Director replacing Sadie Meakin.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE A DREAM BEGINS
It soon became apparent to the staff that
in order to keep up with the demand for new programs, much more space was
required. The board of directors began evaluating the changing role of the
Center and developed a mission statement involving all aspects of
programming and service.
During the 25th Anniversary year, 1991, a
very special gift was given to the Center. The late Margaret Cronin Alden,
first president of the Center’s board, donated $30,000. This provided the
impetus for the Center’s Board to begin studying how an expansion might
occur.
Director, Margaret Catts said, “Peggy’s
bequest is especially timely because the Center is bulging at the seams and
we urgently need to expand to meet the community’s needs. More than that,
she understood what we are doing and believed in it”.
Elbert Chance, former board member credits
John Suchanec, then president of the board for catching “a vision of what an
ideal facility should be and transmitted his enthusiasm to his fellow
directors”.
A Building Campaign was born! Mr. Chance
wrote several articles in The Newark Post in which he highlighted the
fundraising venture. Tom McFalls, resident of Newark and a professional
fundraising executive, was engaged to guide the campaign. Over the next
several years he devoted many additional hours as a volunteer to make the
project a success.
In order to construct the desired building
a location needed to be found. Attorney and former Board President, Vance
Funk identified some land, a portion of which was owned by the University of
Delaware and the other portion by the City of Newark. University President,
David Roselle, along with the Vice Presidents David Hollowell, John Brook,
and former Dean Donald Crossan supported leasing the land to the Center for
one dollar a year and the City followed suit with the same arrangement. The
Center now had a place to build their dream.
Support for the project was given by state
legislators Steve Amick, Stephanie Ulbrich and Tim Boulden. Mayor Gardner,
Roy Lopata, City Manager Carl Luft and Maureen Roser were among the many
city officials who played key roles.
Elbert Chance wrote in the Newark Post,
“It’s a project that has received the blessing and tangible support of
Center members, campaign volunteers, local businesses and corporations,
several foundations, the City Council and the University of Delaware. In a
rare display of total cooperation, these diverse groups began a fund drive”.
THE COMMUNITY PROVIDES SUPPORT
Allan Smith, Eugene Trivits, and Peggy
Sullivan assumed the leadership for the Building Fund Campaign. Jim Streit,
publisher of the Newark Post, provided the much needed publicity about the
campaign. The community, corporations, charitable foundations and
governmental entities recognized the great need and helped the volunteers
raise the total amount needed of $2.6 million. Al Martin, as treasurer,
provided valuable assistance keeping track of the finances. Interior
designer, Blair Smith donated many hours of expertise help. Board member
John Mayer, supervised the actual building project and spent many hours
ensuring the Center members were getting the facility they so richly
deserved.
Members, Will and Georgia Shanor, instilled
an excitement about the new home with center participants and raised over
$135,000 from Center participants.
Businesses and community residents gave
generous monetary gifts toward rooms and specific areas of the new
building. Genevieve Gore, a former board member donated money toward the
swimming pool. Selena Bing, owner of Bing’s Bakery and a long time
supporter of the Center’s activities, gave a donation toward the library.
Warner Perry, Stamp Club enthusiast,
provided a surprise for the new Center. Wanting to ensure that the entry to
the new building would be unique, he purchased a Charles Parks statue of
three people dancing to the joy of life. We continue to enjoy this statue
in the atrium, whose title comes from a phrase in a Browning
poem.
A DREAM COME TRUE –“BUILD IT AND THEY WILL
COME”
LEAVING THE OLD
A Goodbye Party took place at 300 East Main
Street, our home for thirty years. Members reminisced about the many good
times that were had there. Understandably, those that lived close by the
Center were very sad, but most members looked forward to moving on to make
new memories.
On May 6th long time friends and
volunteers, Filomena Budani and Maude Dennison cut the ribbon of the new
center at 200 White Chapel Drive. The building was dedicated on Sunday, May
19th. Many City residents came, along with the Governor of Delaware, city
officials and people from the aging network. It was an exciting time for
the staff, Board of Directors, and membership. “It is so big” and “it is
more beautiful than I ever expected” was heard over and over. What a proud
group was there that day.
ENTERING THE NEW
The new facility with a dining room that
could seat over 300, space for exercise classes and arts and crafts, a
dedicated library, an enlarged Gift Shoppe, swimming pool and shower rooms
attracted many new participants. The Center membership increased to 3,000
during the first year of operation. Then in June 1997, after serving the
Center for sixteen years, Margaret Catts retired as Executive Director.
K. Jean Williams, also a Newark resident,
ably took over the reins of Executive Director, managing a building that was
serving 200 people a day. Sadly, at this time Warner Perry passed away.
However, he left a legacy to the Center that would live for many years in
the form of his estate of approximately one million dollars. His only
request was that when there was a need the Center should be expanded to meet
the needs of the older people of the community.
Sandy Drummond, Social Services Director
for thirteen years, retired in June 1998 and Lelia Perkins was hired. A new
position was created to oversee the many volunteers and provide
communication opportunities for the Center.
Every activity and service continued to
grow. Once again, the Center was overflowing its walls, however this time
there were specific needs. The pool was so popular that the woman’s shower
room was too small. Seniors were interested in keeping fit through
exercise, eager to become knowledgeable about computers and wanted more
educational opportunities. There was no room for these new programs.
A Building Campaign Committee was formed
and plans made for the expansion. Plans called for a Warner Perry Education
Wing and a Fitness Center. Ground was broken for a 7,000 square foot
addition that would include: three class rooms, a computer Center, offices
for more staff, expansion for the meals on wheels program, a lounge, a
fitness center and exercise room.
The community and Center participants
gathered around the Perry Education Wing for the ribbon cutting April 2000
for the $1.6 million expansion. The image of the facility was appealing to
a younger audience, so the membership age was lowered to 50. The Computer
Center proved to be so popular that a Computer Club was started that today
has 400 members. Educational activities under the title of New Horizons
were started with the leadership coming from a volunteer Education Council.
Evening activities were added especially for those members still in the work
force.
The Center’s vast program opportunities,
volunteer involvement, fiscal procedures, community involvement and quality
administration were recognized in August 2003 when Newark Senior Center
became the first senior center in Delaware to be accredited by the National
Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). This recognition came to fruition after
a committee of volunteers helped the Center do a self assessment based on
the standards set by NISC.
INTO THE FUTURE
The Centers success came as a result of the
caring generous Newark community, the Center’s membership, volunteers and a
devoted staff. These groups kept the mission of the Center at the heart of
all decisions and always remembered to think of the whole person. Looking
at all aspects of a person’s needs is what sets our program apart and makes
us unique in Delaware.
To all the many people who have touched the
40 years of our life, the Center thanks you sincerely. As we have looked
back we have seen many programs and services that have started and remained
for years. The deciding factor has always been what do the participants
want and need.
We can only wonder what we will be in the
next 40 years.
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