The Town of Vinton administration has verified that there are no plans to close the Charles Hill Senior Center; however, the town is considering potential adjustments with regards to staffing and how the facility is supervised during all daytime activities.

The changes are a result of an effort to be more efficient with limited operating funds and a necessary reorganization of town programming staff.

Administration also confirmed that they have met individually with all current user groups over the last 30 days to inform every one of the potential staffing adjustments, although maintaining that all current activities would be preserved at the Charles Hill Center, with the exception of the ceramics programs, which would be phased out at the end of 2018.

In the case of the ceramics programs, staff from Roanoke County Parks and Recreation’s Senior Programs visited with the participants of the Vinton program on Monday, June 18 to share information about similar programs currently being offered at the Brambleton Center, as a possible replacement option for the single program that will be discontinued at the Charles Hill Senior Center.

Town officials added that “IF” any user group desired alternative space in a different public building for the betterment of their activity, the town has offered to assist the group with securing similar or expanded free space for their activity within the War Memorial or Vinton Branch Library. For example, the line dancing group has requested consideration to relocate to the War Memorial Ball Room, as their program has essentially outgrown the Senior Center and a move would allow them to expand their offerings to more participants.

For additional information and/or questions, contact Vinton Assistant Town Manager Richard “Pete” Peters at 343-1508 or rpeters@vintonva.gov.