PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Twenty-five years ago, the ribbon was cut opening the Ralph Froio Senior Center in the former Capitol Theater.

 

The building had gone through extensive renovations after the historic theater had closed about a decade earlier.

 

The building itself dates back to 1898 but had mostly served as the theater from 1922 until 1982. In 1993, it reopened as the senior center.

 

"This beautiful marquee was restored to the original condition and the lights were lit," said Council on Aging Chairwoman Theresa Bianchi.

 

On Tuesday, another ribbon was cut. This time it celebrated another upcoming, extensive renovation of the marquee in front of the North Street building. Just last week, the City Council had approved additional funding for the restoration after the bids for the construction came in too high. 

 

"This is a historic marquee, a landmark in our city, and deserves to be restored," Mayor Linda Tyer said. 

 

But with that approval, senior center officials coupled a groundbreaking ceremony with a weeklong celebration of the organization's 25th year. Throughout the week, a series of events at the center is eyed to show off what the Council on Aging does there and honor the seniors of "yesterday, today, and tomorrow."

 

Senior Center Director Vincent Marinaro reflected on the changes in the city's culture. He said families ate dinners together every night and played board games in the past.

 

But "today there are the concerns about health care, transportation, housing, and being able to pay bills."

 

The future, he said, is one of hopefulness though. The city and state have recognized a demographic shift in which the county is getting older. The 10,679 seniors living in the city now will increase as time goes on.

 

Bianchi cited the Age Friendly Berkshires effort to make the area more welcoming and supportive of the senior population.

 

"The senior center is our anchor and the future for so many city residents," Tyer said.

 

Bianchi discussed an array of new programs the center has launched to fit the needs of the seniors. There are more than 40 different programs from workshops to a game room to yoga and dancing, to dinners and nutrition.

 

One of the largest programs is the supportive day program, which gives respite for caregivers for a day.

 

"With 125 members here daily, you can see how busy we are," she said.

 

In the future, however, Marinaro will no longer be the director. He is retiring from the job after eight years on the job.

 

"His compassion is remarkable," Bianchi said, heaping praise on the work Marinaro has done.

 

Marinaro, however, said while he may be leaving the job, he'll still be around to help. Marinaro is involved in a number of volunteer organizations throughout the city and promised to stay involved, just behind the scenes instead of in front.