Senior center in the works for old Tusky Valley High School
A new satellite of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center could be opening in the old Tusky Valley High School as early as January 2025.
A new satellite of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center could be opening in the old Tusky Valley High School as early as January 2025. The high school was most recently used as a primary school until the opening of the new Tusky Valley Elementary School at the multi-school campus on Tusky Valley Road.
“When we were sure this building was going to stay here, I started to dream about what it could become,” said Dr. Derek Varansky, superintendent for the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District. “So it was about a year ago I shared my vision with Jamie Smith, executive director of the TCSC.”
From there Varansky said the idea took off. Members of the board of education started to pull together people to serve on an advisory board or committee that would bring the idea to fruition.
“I think the idea is brilliant,” said Jessie Edwards, secretary of the advisory committee. “I think the community will benefit as a whole, not just the 50 and older population.”
Edwards cited improved health and a stronger connection between seniors and the school district as major benefits the senior center will provide.
“I think one of the greatest things we could do is help keep people independent,” said David Green, president of the advisory committee.
“Location is everything,” said Dale Duerr, member of the advisory committee. “Our society is so convenience-oriented. If people are willing to drive to Dover, once they know where this is, there’s no reason they won’t be willing to come here.”
According to Tom Klingaman, mayor of Zoar and member of the advisory committee, the TCSC will provide seed money, but the new center will have to become self-sufficient.
Jamie Smith, executive director for the TCSC, said startup money will be provided but also said levy funds may be directed to the new center at some point.
“Once a satellite is up and running under our umbrella, offering specific programs like fitness, field trips and other activities, levy dollars can be contributed toward their operating costs,” Smith said.
Smith said all satellite centers also refer members to the TCSC for services such as minor home repair, transportation and in-home services.
The committee emphasized its goal of working with other satellite senior centers and other community centers, like the Warren Township Community Center, located in the old New Cumberland grade school.
“In fact, I could see organizing a day trip for seniors to the Warren Township Center for a meal,” Edwards said.
Looking for feedback
The committee is actively looking for ideas from members of the community for the types of services they’d like to see offered at the senior center, which will utilize the school cafeteria and gymnasium.
“I think it’s an ideal location,” Edwards said. “People won’t have to drive to the mall to walk. And once we figure out what people want, I know they will come.”
Other ideas the committee is considering include bringing seniors in to watch a dress rehearsal of the high school play or see speech team members give their presentations.
Green said he sees opportunities for synergy with the new primary care center that will be opening in the building in partnership with Aultman-Orrville, which already provides telehealth services to the school system.
“In addition to ideas, we are looking for people who are interested in serving on a board of trustees or on various committees,” Duerr said.
Interested community residents are welcome to attend the next committee meeting. “We are encouraging people to come to our next meeting Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. at Zoar Village Hall and Event Center,” Duerr said.
“I’m excited to get some new life in this building,” Varansky said. “Our community paid for this place; they’ve supported this place for a long time. I think it will be a great addition to have here on the campus.”