Portuguese Cultural Center Update to Members

When the Portuguese Cultural Center held its General Assembly meeting in February, the members heard important updates to the center’s efforts to reopen after a truss failed above the main ballroom on the second floor. The center on Sand Pit Hill Road has been closed since mid-February, and initial estimates said it could be closed until September.

In a series of bullet points, the steps taken so far to reopen were outlined.

The air conditioning units were removed from the roof.

Ceiling tiles are being removed from the ballroom ceiling to give workers a look at possible roof damage.

Initial work has been done to shore the first floor.

The center’s insurance company is expected to release an advance check for $400,000 to pay for the work so far.

Workers are making an inventory of the perishables for the insurance company, and the food is likely to be donated to a food bank or it will be disposed of as the insurance company states.

The center has asked local Realtors to find a temporary meeting place for the center’s members.

Yoga and Zumba classes are canceled until further notice.

“We are working with local gyms on possible discounted rates for our members while we are closed,” the February update said. “All PCC sponsored events re canceled until further notice, like the Anniversary & All Saints Picnic.”

Portuguese Day will still move forward, more information to follow.

Children’s Choir will now practice at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church every Saturday from 4-5 p.m.

The Sons of Portugal Band & Sons of Portugal Folklore Dance Group are holding practices at Berkley Fire House until further notice.
“We are working on scheduling monthly meetings to be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and we will update you once those dates are confirmed; and lastly to address the question of how long we will be closed. No time frame has been given to us at this point,” The update concluded.