NYCHA and Dept. for the Aging celebrate opening of senior center

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) joined the Department for the Aging and local elected officials in the Pelham Parkway neighborhood recently to officially open the RAIN Boston Rd. Senior Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Gathered in the Madeline Provenzano multi-purpose room, speakers referred to the center, which is now 3,950 s/f larger, as a model for senior centers across the city. Former city council member Madeline Provenzano secured $2.1 million for the center when she was on the council, and council member James Vacca helped to keep the momentum going. Approximately 150 seniors use the facility each day, participating in activities such as Tai Chi, aerobics, and karaoke. The center also provides hot, kosher meals. Established in 1964, the nonprofit organization RAIN, which stands for Regional Aid for Interim Needs, sponsors the center, and its 91 year old founder, Beatrice Castiglia was there to join the celebration. RAIN also sponsors six additional NYCHA senior centers.