Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights on Sept. 8 performed at the Richmond Senior Center. Photo Credit: V.I. DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES
The V.I. Dept. of Human Services, Division of Senior Citizens Affairs on Thursday held an event celebrating the reopening of the Richmond Senior Center, D.H.S. made known in a release.
D.H.S. had closed the center — which hosted socio-recreational activities for seniors — in 2020 in an effort to mitigate Covid-19 transmission.
DHS Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez shared that during the closure, the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs staff, public and private partners, and volunteers worked tirelessly to renovate the building.
With donations of materials and services from businesses such as Home Depot and Gallows Bay Hardware, and volunteering from groups such as the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the building’s restrooms were renovated, and the entire building was repainted in vibrant colors, among other upgrades.
“We are thankful for our local partners who care about our community and especially our senior population," stated Ms. Causey-Gomez. "This shows that our motto, ‘Working Together to Make a Difference’ truly stands in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
DHS Assistant Commissioner Michal Rhymer-Browne, who has oversight over the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, welcomed the seniors in attendance back to the facility. “The Department of Human Services, along with our community partners, performed the upgrades to this building so that you can enjoy it in your golden years, because you deserve it,” Rhymer-Browne said.
According to the release, the reopening event featured music from Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, DJ music by Darren “Bogle” Stevens, and a dance performance by dance group Kaiso.
