Holyoke opens new senior center

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Rave reviews for Holyoke's new senior center, from the city's senior citizens and from those who hope to join when they're old enough.

The fact that the more than 8 million dollar senior center was built on the Pine street site where the old Holyoke high school once stood, only added to the occasion with a touch of nostalgia.  For many of these senior citizens this was like old school week. Richard Quenneville had attended high school here.

“I think it's great, I think it's great for the city of Holyoke and I also think it's refreshing that such a thing is happening,” Richard Quenneville.

Linda Anne Larivee told 22News she's so impressed she'll recommend someone very dear to her join the center without delay.

“My aunt is 93, I think she would enjoy it, I think so,” Larivee told 22news.

Patricia Kennedy was so impressed with the new senior center, she regrets being too young right now to become a member.

“But when I get old enough, I will come in and spend a lot of time. I just said it to my husband; this will be a beautiful place for us to hang out when we retire,” Kennedy said.

For many years the senior center's home was the basement of the Holyoke war memorial building. And now in their new building, some seniors confided they're now in a place they can call home away from home.