North Providence Senior Center ending major operations

September 6, 2017 11:46 am

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – After 40 years the Salvatore Mancini Activity and Resource Center in North Providence will end major operations Wednesday night. That means there will be no more activities or meals served, impacting the lives of hundreds of senior citizens.

The center will remain open for information, emergency services and as a place to play cards or socialize.

"I’m very sad because we love it here. This will be my last time here,” said Carolyn Anderson.

"We will miss it. I will miss it. This is home every Wednesday for us for bingo. We don’t miss bingo,” said Helen Ford.

The reason the center is closing boils down to a lack funding, but board member Ray D’Abate says he blames politics specifically board members relationship with Mayor Charlie Lombardi.

"I believe this has nothing to do with the senior center. I truly believe it’s a political situation,” said D’Abate.

The Mayor had some harsh words for the center’s management.

"We identified mismanagement there. The accountability is in the wastebasket," said Mayor Lombardi.

D’Abate says that’s simply not true.

"There has never ever been anything that anyone can criticize with the way we do business here,” said D’Abate.

With the future uncertain, the Mayor says he wants the town to take over. D’Abate says the board remains open to the idea if the town would allow time for a phaseout. Though, it appears both sides still cannot come to an agreement.

For the senior’s who call this place home, they’re still holding out hope for a last minute miracle.

"There’s always hope," said Anderson.

Mayor Lombardi tells ABC 6 New that a temporary senior center will be opened up at the Meehan Overlook. Beginning Monday lunches and transportation will be made available.