Maritza Villela

CENTER OF CONTROVERSY: The loss of the ARC XVI Fort Washington Senior Center would leave 92-year-old Blanca Aida and of hundreds of other seniors without much-needed meals, services and activities.

Possible Senior Center Closure Spurs Concern

October 17, 2016
Maritza Villela
El Diario

Manhattan —

“After God, my happiness is in here,” said Agustina Candelario, who, at 69, is considered the “quinceañera” – the youngest of a group of women who regularly attend the ARC XVI Fort Washington Senior Center.

Candelario is among hundreds of seniors from Upper Manhattan who feel a deep connection to the center, because that’s where they spend their time in good company, with free, healthful food and social activities. But more than that, as Candelario noted, “Here we treat each other like family.”