Open house planned at NB Senior Center

Al Piwinski, superintendent of North Branch Area Schools, gave the group a tour of the facility. NORTH BRANCH — The North Branch Senior Center is starting to take shape. The first meeting of the advisory committee took place last week. Fifteen people put their heads together to get the effort going.

“It went really well .... Everybody’s willing to help,” said Gretchen Orr, the driving force behind the center.

Orr said that people joined the committee from the area, bringing different ideas and perspectives. Kelly Martin, North Branch village president, joined the group, as well as County Commissioner Gary Roy.

Al Piwinski, superintendent of North Branch Area Schools, gave the group a tour of the facility.

The group has planned an open house for Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to opening the spacious facility for a look-see, activities are being planned for the event.

Galland Burnham of Lapeer County EMS offered to help arrange blood pressure and glucose checks that day. Other activities will be included, too.

During the open house, Orr hopes to learn more about what seniors would like to see at the center.

The center is expected to open in December, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Orr says that month by month, the center’s activities will be built based on input.

The next advisory committee meeting is set for Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.

“I’m really pleased. They seemed eager to get something going,” said Orr.

The new senior center will be located in the renovated Jefferson school building at Jefferson and Banker streets in North Branch.