On one of the nicest days you could imagine the new North Royalton Senior Center opened at just a wee bit past 10 a.m. on July 23, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz, with attending council persons, held the big blue scissors for the official opening of the New Senior Center at Royal View. Interested citizens, especially seniors, started gathering outside the building at 9:30 a.m. The new Senior Center has ample, well-marked parking, some outdoor seating, and bright new activity rooms for the activities already on the schedule and certainly more to come.
Chuck and Effie Chin, long-time residents and former owners of New Gum Do, were the first to arrive. They were looking forward to seeing what the new Senior space had to offer to add to their activities at the “Y.” Don Mayers and Bob Walter conversed on a bench outside of the door, looking for a new space to meet up with friends. Senior Volunteer Loraine was passing out July and August schedules for the Center. Norma Ruttkay and Suverna Shah got theirs. Norma said she “liked the companionship,” and Suverna was “looking forward to the games and art.” Jean Marie Buser said it was important “to keep up social contacts.” Jim Veres agreed, “You can always meet new folks.” Pat Vislosky was one of the official greeters. Pat said she is a retired nurse. “I officially retired in November of 2012 and was so bored I volunteered at the Senior Center in January of 2013. I have been doing it ever since; it keeps me young. I am really excited to be in this new building.”
Pat Harris was pleased with the new rooms available for crafts and projects but asked, “what will the rest of the Royal View building be used for?” Time will tell what interesting things unfold. One of the services appreciated is the blood pressure and screening done monthly by University Hospitals Parma Medical Center. There is now a room for that.
The Bag Ladies meet every Tuesday, Christine Brihn said, “we’re a bunch of crazy ladies. We really have a good time. We fold, cut, and then crochet plastic shopping bags into portable sleeping mats for the homeless or others that need them.” Christine and fellow bag lady Karen Berendsen approved of the large new assembly hall. The Bag Ladies would have to wait a few days because Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz and attending City Council members were in the assembly hall officially thanking everyone involved in transforming an old building into a new facility.
One of Mayor Larry’s best attributes is listening. Since April 3, Senior and Adult Services has hosted “Muffins with the Mayor,” a monthly event held at City Hall to keep up to date and visit with the mayor. But, on Wednesday, there was cake. Mayor Larry invited everyone to a picnic bagged lunch of hot dog, fruit cup, Cheetos, a small water, and a piece of cake. In a wise decision for the Senior Center, the school cafeteria line was maintained. Grace Blazak complimented the lunch ladies for their skill and efficiency in moving the line along.
Mayor Antoskiewicz greeted the seniors at the grand opening and said, “For years, I have wanted our seniors to have a gathering space that is uniquely their own, designed for their use, and that they could feel at home in. While we appreciate the partnership we had with Deaconess Perry for many years and letting us utilize their space, I envisioned more for our seniors. These are the men and women who raised families here, volunteered in our community and helped lay the foundation shaping North Royalton into what it is today, and so I wanted to provide them with something they could truly be proud of, and I think this is very fitting and deserving.”
Upcoming activities are scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can pick up a calendar at the Senior Center, former Royal View Elementary School building, 13220 Ridge Road, or call 440.582.6333 if you have questions or need some assistance. Judith Stavole-McLaughlin is the Director of North Royalton’s Department on Aging and Human Services, and she can help.
Did you know transportation to the Senior Center is available through Senior Transportation Connection-STC. You can schedule a ride 3 business days in advance or up to 3 weeks in advance. Call 216.265.1489. Cancellations can be made up to 7 a.m. on the day of the trip. One of the most important facets of good health is staying connected with others, and the North Royalton Senior Center is a great place to gather. Information is available on the website, https://northroyalton.org/departments/aging, and follow North Royalton on facebook.

By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer