Growth of the Newport Senior Center

Memories of yesterday and dreams of tomorrow, make us what we are today!

1951-52

  • Morris Cummings farm house was relocated to Unity Road
  • First National grocery store built on this site for owner Dave Holbrook by contractors Ted Delaney and Doug Page (two young helpers Bill Hoyt and Herb Leavitt).

1953

  • “The Golden Age Club” was formed by Herb Avery and housed under the current Hubert’s store (then Western Auto)
  • The First National store opened by manager Sidney Ellis

1961-65

  • Store name changed to IGA

1969-75

  • Sidney Ellis became owner of IGA Inc.
  • The Newport Senior “Citizens” became part of Southwestern Community Services 1970 under Executive Director, Jack Leahy. The nutrition program was managed by Ralph Littlefield. With the implementation of the “Older Americans Act” by federal government in 1972. This group became part of Sullivan County Nutrition Program under Rowena Daniels. The initial program served 25 meals per day with an operating budget of $20,000

1979

  • Senior Group moved to the basement of Newport Primary School, which we know today as our town office building (2023). Newport Senior Center group incorporated September 11, 1979.
  • Incorporators: Myra Safford, Harry C. Thompson, Bertha Brooks, Theodora Corron, Thelma Johnson.

1980

  • Sullivan County Nutrition established two additional meal sites in Claremont and Charlestown.

1982-83

  • Violette’s “Red and White” store, owners Vernon and Roberta Violette.

1986

  • The Violette’s sold the premises to Ernest D. Hodgdon Jr. for auction sales.

1987

  • Fundraising efforts began to purchase property at 76 South Main St. Oliver “Larry” Zullo and Rowena Daniels were co-chair of the fundraising committee. Kaarle Lehtinen kicked off the fundraising drive with a $100,000 donation and held the remaining mortgage at a low rate.
  • The Senior Center President at that time was Les Wiggins. Vice-President was Luene Cote.

1988

  • The Newport Senior Center purchased the property on July 6, 1988, from Ernest Hodgdon Jr. It was then remodeled and  seniors moved in for their first Thanksgiving dinner.

1988-89

  • Dawn Ranney was hired as Building Fund Coordinator.

1989

  • March 1, 1989, Ruth Gardner became director of an ailing Sullivan County Nutrition Services Program that served meals 4 days and a bag lunch on the 5th until finances improved.

1990

  • Newport Senior Center hired Rodney Walker as the Executive Director of Sullivan County Nutrition Services.

1993

  • The mortgage for the center was burned in the parking lot. Major benefactor, Kaarle Lehtinen (age 101) was in attendance. Alice Bruno made him a birthday cake as those in attendance sang Happy Birthday.
  • Board at this time consisted of: President, Joan Willey, Vice-President- Salina Eleanor Shadis, Treasurer, John Sokul, Secretary, Marge Perra and other Board of Directors were Doris Taimi, Andy Andrews, and Harry Burnham.

2002

  • Newport Senior Center, Inc. hired Jerry Durant, as Executive Director of Sullivan County Nutrition Services, to prevent the closure of Sullivan County Nutrition Services.
  • New roof was installed by Melanson, from Keene, for $31,000

2005

  • On September 6, Newport Senior Center, Inc. found a replacement from within the organization to carry on the great work Jerry Durant did to make Sullivan County Nutrition Services solvent once again.
    Brenda Burns, who has held every position in the organization, was promoted to Executive Director.

2006

  • A garage was added onto the center to store Sullivan County Nutrition Services Senior Car used for transporting seniors in Newport.

2007

  • Replaced one of two rooftop furnaces (includes air).

2009

  • Newport Senior Center received Governor’s Award on physical activities and health.

2010

  • The Newport Senior Center & Sullivan County Nutrition Services purchased property at 84 South Main St. on Sept. 10, to accommodate the need for additional parking.
  • A generator was installed at the facility. The center was now an emergency shelter and cooling center for the Town of Newport.

2011

  • The center participated in Newport’s 250th birthday (1761-2011) celebration. The center recognized the Finnish culture in Newport. Jari Mannisto, artist from Finland, created a tree sculpture that sits in front of the Senior Center. The tree is a symbol we are all of immigrant heritage.

2012

  • 40 years later (1972-2012), Sullivan County Nutrition Services is serving over 125,000 meals per year, with an operating budget of $701,000.
  • Asphalt apron added to 84 South Main Street, as specified by the Department of Transportation for the overflow parking lot.

2016

  • On May 11, 2016, a Feasibility study, by Northern Architectural Design Group, was completed to help determine the need for expansion. The study showed that the shift in the senior population will begin in 2020 and double by 2040. Many are calling this shift the “Silver Tsunami.”

To meet the needs of those we serve, the following improvements need to be addressed:

  • Additional space- Space is available in the basement
  • Additional space needs air exchange unit installation
  • New lights are needed throughout the basement and lights upstairs need to be upgraded to LED cost savings lighting, as well as exterior lights
  • Wiring needs to be cleaned up and code violations fixed
  • Battery units not working, inadequate number of emergency light heads, no emergency lighting on exterior of building which is code required
  • No emergency lighting in the restrooms and bring emergency lighting and exit signage be brought up to code
  • Fire alarm system upgraded to a digital, addressable system
  • Sprinkler system installed- no current system which should have been installed when facility was transformed to a place of assembly.
  • Add insulation to areas where no insulation is currently installed.

2018

  • SCNS is serving over 130,000 meals in Sullivan County
  • The basement was transformed into 4,000 square feet of usable space. This includes an indoor walking path. The entire building was brought up to code and all ADA requirements are now met.
  • An elevator was installed.

2019

  • The board of director’s established a Capital Reserve Fund to help planning for future expenses as equipment and building needs meet expiration of their longevity.
  • LED lighting was installed throughout the entire upstairs.

2020

  • COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Congregate meal sites were closed and replaced with Grab-N-Go meals. Meals are passed through windows as participants drive through the parking lot at the Newport Senior Center and the parking lot of Grace River (formerly the Ames parking lot) in Claremont.

2021

  • To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and provide a safer environment for staff and those we serve; we installed cold plasma ion air purifiers for the five Mitsubishi wall units located throughout the building and the two roof top units. These units will improve ventilation throughout the entire building. The units are designed to reduce pathogens and viruses in breathing zones and on hard non-porous surfaces.