BUND RIVER 
Old library building takes on a new life
Now home of town's Seniors'Cultural Centre

Sault Star, Monday July 9, 2001

By NORLYN PURYCH
Special to The Star

BLIND RIVER — You wouldn't know it was the same place. It bares no resemblance to the cosy, book bedecked library it was a mere year ago.

Now sporting a wide-open interior with a spiffy new kitchen and huge picture windows on three walls, the old public library building on Michigan Ave. has taken on a new life as the town's Seniors' Cultural Centre.

Freshly tiled, carpeted, drywalled and painted, the building has been refurbished inside and out to meet the requirements of local seniors who will now have a place of their own in which to gather.

A year in the doing, the project cost was $100,000. One fifth of that came from town coffers, the rest came from Human Resources Development Canada.
Up to now, the two seniors organizations in town have gathered at the Community Hall or the Paroisse Sainte-Famille.

There was an air of gratitude and anticipation at the Saturday grand opening gathering of more than 50 people. It was put into words by Aline Charron, a member of the project's steering committee, when she said, "Our heartfelt thanks go to the Town of Blind River for supporting the hopes and dreams of the seniors of Blind River."

Lila Cyr, the town councillor who spearheaded the project, expressed her view of the new facility as "a wellness centre for seniors," a place that will be good for their physical and emotional well-being.

"Who would have imagined a few months ago what this would look like," Mayor Bob Gallagher remarked to the gathering. "I'm very proud as a mayor and the council and community can be proud too (of the facility)."

Amazement at the transformation the building had undergone was the sentiment that ruled the day. Indeed, the town librarian, Rhea Marcellus, joked about moving back in now that the old building had been remodelled into such an inviting place.

Several seniors admitted to having had doubts about the project at the beginning.

"Remember when we walked in the first time last year," said Viva Shamas, as she reminisced with Charron.

The two women were both members  of the steering committee that helped plan the new facility. "We were so discouraged because it was so dark and dingy. Lila told us how nice it would be and we just looked at each other doubtfully. It turned out so different that we expected. It's beautiful."

When the seniors were consulted about what they wanted in the building, a lot of windows topped the list.

"We need good light for doing crafts," explained Geneva Shamas, who was as pleased as everyone else with the final look of the centre.

Sure enough, it was the installation of the expansive picture windows that convinced the doubters that the old library had what it takes to become an inviting hangout for seniors.

Although still sparsely furnished, many necessities such as appliances for the kitchen and a stereo system have been provided by local donors. The two seniors' groups in town, the Senior Citizens Club 270 and the 50+ Social Club help fund raise for furnishings.

Charron stressed how having a place of their own will allow both groups more flexibility in holding activities, as well as providing a venue for events organized by the town's newly hired youth and senior activities coordinator, Keith Rousselle.

All activities at the Seniors' Cultural Centre are open to all seniors, whether or not they belong to either senior organization.