By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN
Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – The Frank Grieco Sr. Social Service Center has been revitalized with a much-needed makeover in recent months, and that effort was recognized by the township Monday, March 24.

Mayor Charlie Pritchard and Committeeman Joseph Nickels were in attendance on Monday as local senior citizens took part in activities at the refurbished facility.

The project was spearheaded by Nickels, who was able to round up donations and obtain materials at discounted prices to perform renovations to the interior of the building commonly referred to as the Senior Center.

“It has a fresh new look,” he said.

The center was in dire need of a renovation, he said, adding that the unpleasant odor and atmosphere surrounding the facility needed to be removed.

“It fell into disrepair in the last couple years,” he said.

Work had not been done to the Senior Center since the early 1990s, which Nickels took part in as well.

The project at the time turned what was once the township’s police station into what it is today. Prior to 1994, the senior center was located on Second Street in Mays Landing.

Materials to replace the carpet, redo the interior walls and replace the floor tiling were provided by BFC Ltd. Company, the floor laying company that Nickels works for; Johnsonite; and Mannington Mills.

Members of the Floor Layers Union, Mike Neary of Upper Township, Patrick O’Brien of Egg Harbor Township and John Endries of Brigantine volunteered their time to perform the work.

Sue Giberson, recreational director for the township, said the renovation has changed seniors’ outlook about the center and has led to the “recruiting” of seniors who had not previously taken advantage of the facility.

“Their attitudes are changing of the center,” Giberson said. “You can see it with them.”

“It feels much brighter and nicer,” said Elsie Kraemer of Mays Landing, a township senior citizen who was playing bingo at the newly renovated facility.

A donation was also made by Rich DeFeo, an active community volunteer, which turned out to be a Nintendo Wii gaming console as well as a flat-screen television on which to play it.

As far as remaining costs, all but $3,000 came out of Nickels’ pocket. That amount was paid for by the municipality to repair the building’s sub-flooring. He would not disclose how much it cost in total, but said if the township were to go to bid on renovations it would have cost between $25,000 and $30,000.

“This is what I can do (as a politician),” Nickels said. “We are supposed to find a need and fill it.”

He said the township is seeking donations to purchase a commercial refrigerator and stove. If you can help, or know someone who can, call (609) 625-1511 ext. 441, or email jnickels@townshipofhamilton.com.