Months-long remodeling program complete; programs restart February 1
by Melanie Jongsma
CALUMET CITY, Ill. (January 28, 2019) – “We wanted to create a warmer environment,” explained Communications Director Ernst Lamothe about the remodeling project that has consumed the Thornton Township Senior Center for much of 2018. The Senior Center, which hosts exercise and dance classes, card games, Bunco club, low-cost senior lunches, and more, needed updating in order to become fully ADA accessible, so Thornton Township decided to make other enhancements as well. Expanded bathrooms, improved HVAC, a fireplace, new furniture, new artwork, and fresh paint will welcome the seniors as they return to the center when it officially opens on Friday, February 1.
The Township held an Open House on Saturday, January 26, and seniors were lined up out the door 30 minutes before it opened. Many expressed eagerness to return to the regular activities and programs that are typically held at the Calumet City location.Volunteers at the welcome table greeted guests and provided a schedule of programs and activities that are scheduled at the Senior Center. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Saturday’s cold temperatures did not impact turnout at the Senior Center Open House. Crowds lined up for the generous refreshments Thornton Township events are known for. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Volunteers served hot food as well as veggies, crackers, cheese, and cold cuts. Much of the food was provided by Blueberry Fields in South Holland, and Lansing’s Calumet Bakery provided dessert. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Thornton Township Communications Director Ernst Lamothe (right) has been communicating about the remodeling project since last spring. Village Trustee Maureen Grady-Perovich (left) appreciates what Thornton Township does for Lansing seniors. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)New flooring, new paint, and new artwork make the remodeled Senior Center a beautiful place to gather. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Lansing Village Trustee candidates Larry Thomas (left) and Mike Fish were among the guests at the Open House. Thomas is running as an Independent candidate, while Fish is running with the Village Voice Party. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli (standing) arrived to address the crowd and describe some of the enhancements that have been made to the Thornton Township Senior Center. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The Thornton Township Senior Center is located at 1420 Huntington Drive in Calumet City.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
