Newark Celebrates Re-Opening of Senior Center

To quote Clark W. Redeker, Newark's third mayor, it was a “happy, happy day” indeed on July 19, as seniors and staff officially celebrated the re-opening of the Newark Senior Center. 

Located at 7401 Enterprise Dr., the center has been closed for the past 18 months due to lack of funding.

However, monies collected from a voter-approved utility tax have allowed the restoration of a variety of city programs and services, including the senior center adjacent to Ash Street Park.

While the Enterprise Drive location was closed, folks 55 and older met at the — but with reduced services. 

"A lot of the seniors couldn’t make it to Silliman, but it’s easy for them to get here. It feels like we’re home again," said Dusty Cruz, a volunteer at the center. 

Now things are back to normal and volunteers like Cruz and Redeker () can once again get back to assisting with and being a part of Newark’s active senior community. 

It was Redeker himself who helped to establish social services such as the senior center when he helped Newark incorporate as a city in 1955. 

Now he and his fellow seniors can enjoy the 6,511-square-foot refurbished center, which includes a computer lab, dining room, game area and two classrooms.

The senior center is already being used to its full potential. During the celebration, the game room’s pool tables were in use with games being played simultaneously. 

The crowded-house vibe reached into every part of the center, from the packed dining room where refreshments were being enjoyed to the lounge area in which several people sat talking and enjoyed being "back home."

"It’s so nice to have all of my seniors back," said the Senior Center’s recreation coordinator, Kelly Hess.

Her coworker, Cheryl Galvez, agreed, "It’s great to see all the familiar faces back here."

For more information on the Newark Senior Center, call 510-578-4840 or email senior.center@newark.org. The center is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.