Partisan Vote Spells End For Enfield Adult Day Center

ENFIELD, CT — Despite impassioned pleas by employees and supporters, including several council members, the Enfield Town Council voted along party lines Monday night to close the Enfield Adult Day Care facility on Beech Road.

Democrats Bill Kiner and Gina Cekala spoke at length about their support for the program, and voted against the resolution to shutter it, as did fellow Democrat Cindy Mangini. Republicans Mike Ludwick, Donna Szewczak, Joe Bosco, Lori Unghire, Joe Muller, Carl Sferrazza and Charlotte Riley voted to close the center, effective March 31, 2020. Republican Kelly Hemmeler was not present at the meeting.

Since 1992, the facility has provided adult day care services at affordable prices to hundreds of elderly clients in the greater Enfield area. Programs have included medical services, exercise, entertainment and day trips, as well as meals and snacks.

The program's numbers have dwindled in recent years, down to an average of nine participants daily. Arguments against closing the facility maintain the two previous social services directors did nothing to promote the programs available, therefore ensuring client levels would drop.

Councilors did vote unanimously to approve a resolution waiving the standard bid requirements and entering into a contract with Caring Solutions LLC to provide nursing services at the center through the closing date; an appropriation of $34,000 was approved. Currently, nursing services are being provided on a per diem basis.

(Enfield TV)