Cindy Jackson
Reporter
November 19, 2020
November 16, 2020 was a big day in the small town of Hilliard. That is the day the Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) announced that it was “breaking ground” for a rehab of its senior center located at 37002 Ingram Road (right off of US Route 1).
The facility has been there since 1984 but it is about to get bigger, better and brighter.
Work is scheduled to begin with Cotner Associates, Inc. as the architect and ShayCore, Enterprises as the builder. Both companies have a strong and successful history with the COA. The project is expected to be completed in the Spring-Summer 2021 timeframe and with its completion will come a new name. Now known as the Hilliard Life Center, once the renovation is finished, it will become the West Nassau Life Center. The number of seniors served will double at the new center going from 1,500 to 3,000.
The State approved an appropriation of $600,000 to begin this important project which was to be matched by monies raised in the community. It was announced at the groundbreaking that that $69,000 was raised in the community with contributions received from individual donors, organizations and corporate entities – far exceeding the initial goal of $50,000.
The renovation will include a new roof, new plumbing and paint, the repair and repaving of the parking lot, connecting its septic system to Hilliard’s wastewater infrastructure, and new kitchen equipment which will effectively expand the NCCOA’s ability to provide nutritional support to seniors on the west side of the County.
While addressing the sizable crowd on hand, Geoff Clear, NCCOA Board Chair mentioned the ways that each person could help. His first suggestion was to spread the news far and wide, the second was to volunteer as the NCCOA is always in need of volunteers and the third was to consider making a donation.