The Town of Dudley celebrated its newly refreshed Senior Center with an Open House on September 18.

Dudley Council on Aging volunteers served refreshments to more than 60 guests in the renovated space that recently received fresh paint, new ceiling tiles, wheelchair friendly flooring and countertop.

“The refreshed Senior Center is a true gift to our community,” Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda said. “Thanks to the generosity of the Dudley Woman’s Club, the leadership of Mrs. Johnson, and the dedication of our volunteers, we now have a space that honors our seniors and strengthens the heart of our town.”

The celebration attendees included lots of seniors, State Representative John Marsi, Amanda Galonek Hellyar of State Senator Ryan Fattman's office, Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda, Selectman Steven Sullivan, town staff and members of the Dudley Woman's Club.

Council on Aging Director Deborah Johnson spoke of the Senior Center revitalization and the many benefits the refreshed space will bring to the seniors and community.

“I, along with the men and women who frequent the center, want to thank the DWC, and especially Nancy for making this refresh happen,” Ms. Johnson said. “We are all so happy with the new floor, the walls, the ceiling tiles, everything that was done to update and brighten our area. The DWC always supports our senior community through many programs and donations, for which we are very grateful. We cannot thank them enough for this beautiful gift.”

The Dudley Woman’s Club donated $30,000 to modernize the 71 West Main Street space that provides meals and enrichment programs to our seniors as well as activities and event space to our community.

This donation was made in memory of the DWC’s founding member Nancy J. Vajcovec, who dedicated countless volunteer hours to the town and local nonprofits by serving on several committees and commissions. Nancy Jane A. Vajcovec, (February 18, 1947 - November 26, 2022) of Dudley was one of five women who founded the Dudley Woman’s Club in 2008.

- Submitted by the Town of Dudley