North Salem introduces new senior van

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - North Salem’s brand-new seniors van is more than just a ride, it’s opportunity on wheels.

Access to essential services is incredibly important to older adults who don’t drive, especially in Northern Westchester where public transportation is limited

Getting out and about also helps folks maintain their independence, stay mentally and physically healthy, and avoid social isolation.

In other words, it can vastly improve their quality of life.

The van is only one part of the town’s commitment to helping its seniors “age in place” by making the community more livable, explained Supervisor Warren Lucas and Recreation Department Director Lauren Rosasco.

Lucas was “very excited” by the van’s arrival.

With 12 seats and a wheelchair lift, it will be used to take them to and from the North Salem Community Center at 3 Owens Road in Croton Falls, which offers free senior fitness, nutrition, arts, and socially oriented programs and classes.

Proposed are excursions to the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library and shopping around town and in neighboring communities such as Somers and Brewster as well.

(It will NOT be used to transport folks to individual doctor appointments and such.)

Diligently working on logistics and procedures for the van, the Recreation Department plans to release details by the end of the month, Rosasco said.

The town was struggling along with an older – and frequently in need of repairs – van when it decided to order a new one via the state’s bid list.

That was about two years ago. At the time, that cost was pegged at $69,000.

Because of backups in the process and subsequent rising costs, the vendor informed the town he could no longer sell it at that price.

The new van’s price tag was $102,000 and change, most of which was covered by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

A Place for Everyone

Rosasco is very proud of the way the community center has grown since its opening in 2023.

There are a wide range of activities, programs, and events for all ages.

The lounge area for seniors has fast wifi, TV, games, puzzles, books, coffee, tea, snacks, informative brochures, and a Little Library from the Friends of the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library.

“It’s a place for everyone to go,” she says, pointing out that the building is a former school.

Many of the senior participants went there as children and it’s fun to hear their lively voices “in the hall” because it reminds Rosasco of the “shenanigans” they might have gotten up to way back when.

North Salem also partners with the town of Somers to provide home-delivered meals to homebound residents 60 years and older.

Good to Know

For other local resources, visit northsalemny.org/senior-services.

For more information or to suggest a program, please contact the North Salem Recreation Dept at recreation@northsalemny.gov

For information on transportation, visit Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services at seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/transportation.