Jun 19, 2009 3 min read

WAYNESBURG- With only a two-percent increase in funds over the past seven years, Community Action Southwest, which serves Greene and Washington Counties, is forced to cut expenses for the 2009 to 2010 fiscal year. Darlene Bigler, CEO of Community Action Southwest, said the cuts will include shutting down the Clarksville Senior Center; using volunteers to operate the Mount Morris Senior Center; and preparing meals in a central location. The changes will take place July 1.

Volunteers currently run the Clarksville Senior Center, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Bigler said only five seniors regularly attend the senior center. When the center closes, seniors have the option to attend the Jefferson or Carmichaels Senior Centers. The Jefferson Senior Center is open on Wednesdays, and the Carmichaels center is open Monday through Friday. Transportation to the centers is available through the Greene County Shared Ride System.

Bigler said Community Action Southwest is looking at ways to keep the Clarksville Center in operation.

Elizabeth Kimtantas, site supervisor at the Clarksville Senior Center, would not issue a statement, because representatives from Community Action Southwest are meeting with Clarksville Senior Center officers Friday, June 19, to discuss the options. Kimantas would not disclose what options will be discussed.

The Mount Morris Center, which is currently staffed, will be run by volunteers. The current staff, a cook and a site operator, will relocate to the Carmichaels Senior Center. The Carmichaels Senior Center will serve as the central kitchen for each of the county centers and home deliveries. Lunches will be transported to the other centers.

William Kendall, a senior citizen who has attended the Mount Morris Senior Center for seven years said, “People up here don’t think very much of (the changes).”

He added that government officials should provide more funding for the senior centers. Kendall said he would do anything he could to help the center, but he will do things like wash dishes, because he feels that if volunteers completely take over, the center will never receive more state funding.

“This is a good place,” Kendall said. “We hate to see it go downhill, which is going to happen with the situation they’re putting us in.”

Bigler said senior centers are important to the well being of senior citizens, specifically in an area like Greene County.

“Seniors become engaged in a number of activities-wellness, crafts, relaxing and socializing – which is vitally important in rural areas,” Bigler said.

She added that the senior centers, also called community centers, are important to seniors who need socialization and want to remain active.

With the upcoming state budget, Bigler said she expects the funding to remain the same, at best, for the 2009 to 2010 fiscal year.

Community Action Southwest is funded by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, which receives its funds from the Pennsylvania Lottery. According to Bigler, less than 30 percent of lottery proceeds benefit state programs.

With increasing fuel, utility and healthcare costs, Bigler said the senior centers partially rely on fundraising and donations for funding.

To volunteer at a senior center or to donate, contact Community Action Southwest by calling 724-852-2893. Information is also available by visiting www.caswg.org.