January 23, 2003
SALVATION ARMY ZEROES IN ON PLANS FOR CENTER
By ROB CASPER, Staff Writer OSWEGO -
After nearly a decade of discussing and planning, officials representing the Oswego Salvation Army know what they want. Oswego's planning committee for the Salvation Army released detailed plans Wednesday for its vision of the "Community Support Center," a $1.25 million addition to its citadel on West Third Street.
In celebration of the announcement, Oswego Mayor John Gosek declared Jan. 22 as "Oswego Salvation Army Day" to recognize the occasion. Oswego County Legislature Chairman Morris Sorbello, R-Granby, made a county-wide proclamation as well. Gosek explained his reasoning behind the day's dedication before a flag-raising tribute at City Hall. "This wonderful organization has been part of our community since 1886 and was one of the earliest Salvation Army missions in the country," Gosek said. "I think we would all agree that the Salvation Army symbolizes caring, compassion and dedication to individuals - whether it be physically, emotionally or spiritually."
At a luncheon following the announcement, Sorbello and county representatives toured the current facility Army Community Center Committee Co-chair Mercedes Niess and Army captains Ken and Corinne Hayes. A display highlighting past Army events was accompanied by an architectural drawing of the addition's 12,000 square-foot proposal.
Since 1994, the Salvation Army has been in talks of renovating current facilities. A program study was conducted to determine its needs. In April 2000, the organization inked a deal to secure two properties located at 74 and 76 West Second Street, directly behind the citadel. "This community center will improve the overall quality of life for a full spectrum of area residents," Niess said.
Among some of the suggested features presented by center committee members, the final center will have expanded food storage, preparation and eating areas as well as a renovated fellowship hall and worship area. Wheelchair accessibility to the facility is expected to accommodate visitors for other additional proposals such as a private interviewing area, classrooms, conference rooms and staff offices. In addition, the committee expects some new programs for the future. Senior walks, after-school feeding and recreational activities, tutoring and short-term child care are expected to be implemented as additional Salvation Army programs.
In
order
to
pay
for
such
an
endeavor,
the
Salvation
Army
announced
it
expects
to
add
to
revenues
set
aside
for
the
project
with
fund-raising
and
donation
efforts.
Niess
is
urging
those
in
Oswego
to
help
out
the
project
to
represent
public
kindness.
"We
need
the
entire
community
to
come
together
in
support
of
this
essential
venture,"
Niess
said.
"Oswego
is
a
community
where
people
take
care
of
each
other.
Let's
show
(that
commitment)
by
supporting
this
valuable
project."
Reprinted from The Palladium Times Online Edition, January 23, 2003
