Ten years in the making, the Herndon Senior Center opened its doors Monday after a May 12 dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Attended by Mayor Michael O'Reilly, Herndon Town Council members, Gerry Connolly, chairman Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Joan DuBois, Dranesville District Supervisor and other county officials, the dedication also drew many seniors to the event.
The new center, located at 873 Grace Street, is the finishing touch to the county-run Harbor House and county-funded Fortnightly Boulevard townhouse developments across the street.
"This is the first senior center to have extended hours," said DuBois listing numerous amenities the center will offer.
"This facility represents that commitment to celebrate a relationship with the town and the county," said Connolly. "We couldn't have a better working relationship."
O'Reilly outlined the background of the project, citing 1979 council minutes where discussions were held to create a center in town for area seniors.
From there he listed each year, stating in 1985 Vi Bateman, Herndon Harbor House resident, presented a petition to council with 1,365 signatures requesting a place for seniors in town.
But, it wasn't until 1997 that ground was broken to construct phase one, the Harbor House.
Ground was broken for phase two, the senior center, in 2003.
"It's that great spirit of volunteerism that the seniors have," said O'Reilly. "The Harbor House was founded on that and it's an invaluable part of our community."
In addition to dedicating the center to area seniors and the Herndon community, DuBois presented a "Key" to the center to Patricia Franckewitz, director Fairfax County CRS and Ruth Junkin, director Herndon Senior Center, CRS.
DuBois also presented Bateman with a plaque for her help with the center and persistence toward having it built.
Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the new Senior Center is open to all Fairfax County residents 55 years and older.
The center plans to offer everything from exercise classes and shopping trips to music, dancing, fine arts classes and computer classes.
At its new location the two story building has meeting rooms, a billiard room with three pool tables, a computer lab, ballroom, exercise equipment and a fire place.
Admission is free for all seniors and lunch can be reserved by calling one day in advance. Suggested lunch donations range between $1 and $5, based on age and income. Regular scheduled transportation is also available for $1 per round trip. For more information about senior services call 703-324-5544.