EDGARD — After months of construction at the Edgard Senior Center, Parish President Natalie Robottom, Administration and Councilman-at-Large Division A Larry Sorapuru joined Council on Aging Director Cheryl Parquet and a host of seniors and other community members recently for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Also on hand for the celebration were representatives from Yeates & Yeates Architects and Veterans Construction.

The $108,000 project included improvements to cabinets, flooring, new paint, walls and bathrooms. Senior citizens can now enjoy upgraded ADA compliant bathrooms, a larger activity room, improvements to the kitchen and aesthetic upgrades.
Renovations were funded utilizing a Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) grant and a small portion of the 2014 Bond Issue.

“The senior center was in great need of upgrades and this project was a true team effort,” Robottom said. “We want to thank the Council on Aging staff and seniors for their patience during repairs.”

Administration was also granted permission to begin advertising for construction bids for a new 3200-square feet Senior Center in Edgard.

The new building will provide additional space for seniors featuring a state-of-the-art kitchen, large activity room, aesthetic amenities and a large wraparound porch. The project is funded through the 2014 Bond Issue, and construction is estimated to finish within six months of the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

“The upgraded center has brought many smiles to our seniors’ faces, and we look forward to the new building,” Parquet said.

All residents 60 and over are welcome to visit the centers, aimed at enhancing the quality of life of seniors in St. John Parish. Breakfast and lunch are served daily, and activities include Bingo, card games, birthday month celebrations and sponsored field trips.

The East bank Senior Center is located at 214 Regala Park Road in Reserve and can be contacted at 985-479-0272. The West Bank Senior Center is located at 155 East 3rd St. in Edgard and can be contacted at 985-497-3391.

The centers are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.