Community celebrates 20 years of gratitude at event
Some of the staff at the senior center gathered for a photo to celebrate the event.
For one Dover woman, the rededication of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center building at Dover was much more than that.
“They’ve been such a help. They’re here for whenever you need them,” Cynthia Wilson said.
She moved to the area one year ago and hopes to stay in the county because of the assistance the center has provided, including connections to services she needs. The services have made a huge difference for her, especially in times of hardship.
“The whole center is wonderful; you don’t know how much of a blessing it is. It’s got everything you need,” Wilson said.
She also called the center’s transportation program vital for filling the need seniors have to get to medical appointments and just the ability to run errands and get groceries.
“I love the senior center itself, so I love life,” Wilson said.
The center staff and supporters also rededicated themselves to serving people 50 and older with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremony then continued inside with speakers and a dessert table.
The Dover center has more than 1,200 members and sees an average of 200-300 people each day for the fitness classes, exercise equipment, Prospect Perks café, lunch in the dining room, computer lab and the library. The center’s transportation department provides approximately 3,000 trips each month. At the satellite locations, 20-50 members visit each day.
“We have created a significant impact on those we serve, as well as created a more resourceful community here in Tuscarawas County,” said Jamie Smith, executive director of the TCSC. “I want to take this opportunity to share my gratitude to the three directors that came before me, Phyllis Siciliano, Phyllis Karling and Pam Farrell, the past and current board of directors who are supportive, dedicated and active with our center and all of the activities we offer.”
Bob Hall, vice president of the TCSC, was on the building committee to construct the new center in 2005. He said the land and the funds to build the new building were donated. There were no taxpayer funds used. During his time on the board, he had seen more of a focus put on the satellite centers to serve seniors in their community.
“We’ve only just begun because the senior population is going to grow and grow and grow,” Hall said.
Smith and the board are already planning for that time.
“As far as services moving forward, Jamie (Smith’s) got some great plans for that. We’ve been in talks about other things for the future, and it’s exciting,” said Matt Kinsey, board president.
State Rep. Jodi Salvo formerly worked as a geriatric social worker and has more than 20 years of experience in the field. Associated with the former Ohio Guidestones counseling agency, she assisted in providing services to those helped by the TCSC in the early years.
Salvo likes that the center meets seniors where they are.
“Whether it’s a minor home repair, income services, food, dances, travel, fitness, it’s all here. This feels like a family; it is a community,” Salvo said. “And if we’re going to treat older adults as they age, we need to treat the whole person.”
Jamie Smith thanked the taxpayers and encouraged them to continue their support of the important work of the TCSC.
The board of directors approved a .8 mil replacement levy to be placed on the November 2025 ballot. The levy is crucial to helping them keep their services affordable and maintain essential programs that enrich the lives of seniors.
The main office of the TCSC is located at 425 Prospect St. in Dover. Visit www.tuscsc.org or call 330-364-6611.