Ridgewood seniors program to expand after $231,000 donation; village to provide $75,000 in staff funding over three years

Community center leaders on Jan. 28 outlined plans to expand senior programming and update the downstairs facility after a significant private donation.

Liz Clark, speaking for the Community Center of Ridgewood Foundation, thanked the Ridgewood Senior Citizens Corporation for a ‘‘remarkable gift’’ of $231,000 that the foundation will use "to create a state of the art senior center offering expanded programming, more inviting social spaces, new exercise spaces, more dedicated staff, and better overall ambiance." Clark said the donation will be delivered in three installments: at project inception, mid-project and at project completion.

Gwen Haug, president of the Community Center of Ridgewood Foundation, described the fundraising and review process and said additional budget items — including construction oversight fees — increased the final grant amount. The manager explained the village’s commitment in the draft agreement: the village would supply $75,000 in staff funding over three years as part of the project, and council members were asked if they objected to accepting the $231,000 donation; none objected at the workshop. Manager noted a formal resolution to accept the gift will be presented for council action on Feb. 11.

Councilors and residents praised the project as a way to increase senior programming from a handful of hours to roughly 40 hours per week and to address seniors’ social needs. Donors and foundation members said the gift will allow construction and programming to proceed without waiting for additional municipal funds.

No final formal acceptance of the gift occurred at the workshop; the council will consider a resolution on Feb. 11 to formalize the donation and grant agreement.