Claire Teague Senior Center
917 Main Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 3, 2017
Media Contact: Jennifer Tabakin
Town Manager
Phone: 413-528-1619 x2
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Great Barrington Senior Center to Close for Repairs after Flooding
GREAT BARRINGTON — Council on Aging Director Polly Mann Salenovich report that Great Barrington’s Claire Teague Senior Center and Council on Aging offices at 917 Main Street will be temporarily closed as cleanup crews get to work to repair damage caused by recent flooding.
Flooding damage caused by a failed boiler in the first floor forced a closure of the building on Monday, and the Town estimates that repairs will take approximately three weeks, mostly due to the fact that water damage disturbed asbestos-based floor caulking materials. These kinds of materials are found in virtually all buildings of a certain age. The expected re-opening date is March 24.
Berkshire South Regional Community Center will be open to all Senior Center members daily from 11 a.m. with meals starting at 11:30. Reservations for the meals must be made 24 hours in advance by calling 413-528-4118.
Berkshire South Community Center is located at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. Southern Berkshire Elderly Transportation Company will be providing free transportation to the lunch hour.
Day passes will also be available for seniors who wish to take part in the regular classes, exercise programs, and pool services offered by Berkshire South.
The Great Barrington Selectboard and the Council of Aging are very appreciative that Berkshire South is able to accommodate our seniors on short notice.
“The flooding of our Senior Center is unfortunate, but repairs are underway, and we are pleased that no programs, services, or events will be cancelled,” Tabakin said. “Once the repairs are completed and the building in inspected and ruled safe, we will reopen the Senior Center as quickly as possible.”
Contractors were on site on Monday morning to clean up the flood and make repairs. Work includes installation of a new floor, wall repair and abatement work, and general cleaning. The Town’s insurance is covering the cost of the cleanup.
The Town of Great Barrington, Town Manager Tabakin, and the Council on Aging wish to thank all residents, especially our seniors, for their patience and understanding as repairs are completed. The Town also wishes to recognize Jenise Lucey, Executive Director of Berkshire South, for stepping up during the Senior Center’s repair work.
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