By Sue Ellen Woodcock
Since Nov. 30 the senior citizens of Revere have adapted well to being relocated to the Mottolo Post at 10 Garafolo St. while roofing work goes on at the Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center at 25 Winthrop St.
Director Stephen Fielding said he anticipates moving back to the senior center in the next couple of weeks.
“There’s been no break in the action,†Fielding said, adding that 250 hot meals have been served each week.
The work began on Dec. 14 with Gibson Roofing doing the job. Some of the work was due to tornado damage in 2014 and the rest of the work was needed after years of neglect. Extensive prep work was needed before a new roof could be installed. Fielding said that five layers of old roofing had to be removed. A temporary rubber membrane was put in place. Crews got right down to the concrete base to seal and insulate the roof. Brick and mortar work needed to be done, as did drainage and gutter work. Flashing was also installed around the air conditioning units and pipes on the roof.
The project was paid for by a $150,000 grant obtained by Speaker of the House Robert Deleo. The rest of the project will be paid for through tornado repair funds, but the amount has not been determined yet.
“Without Speaker DeLeo I don’t think this would have happened,†Fielding said.
Prior to becoming the senior center, 25 Winthrop St. was the Knights of Columbus building and before that it was the site of New England Telephone.
“The seniors have been resilient. It’s been a little rough on the staff,†Fielding said.
A modified meals program for breakfast and lunch is being offered to seniors. A shuttle van service as usual to and from the Mottolo Post as well as to and from outside appointments with some adjustments. Seniors should call (781) 286-8156 to schedule your lunch and shuttle reservations a day ahead as usual.
“The post has allowed us to use the kitchen,†Fielding said. “Dennis Moschella, John Ross and James Aresco (of the Mottolo Post) have been good hosts.â€