GIRARD A place for all ages, dedicated to its community

As the Multi-Generational Center opened its doors, so did a police substation.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Residents of all ages roamed the halls, ducked into classrooms, witnessed presentations and took in a small sampling of what the Girard Multi-Generational Center has to offer.
The facility, at 443 Trumbull Ave., in the former Tod Woods Elementary School, officially opened Friday for a dedication of the building and its programs.
"One of the biggest things is dedicating the elevator, which makes us truly handicapped-accessible," said Jack O'Connell, president of the center's board of directors.
Though the center's been offering programs since October 2001, it's only recently that the staff and volunteers have had the building to themselves and solely for multigenerational programming, said Executive Director Laura Carey-D'Rummo. When the school district had some problems with the Prospect school building, the Tod Woods building not only housed the center, but fourth- and fifth-grade pupils for almost two years.
Though the arrangement set back some renovation and construction work, it did move forward the center's goal, O'Connell and Carey-D'Rummo said.
"It was great because we were able to do programming that really included a number of generations," she said.
Police substation
With the official opening comes the addition of new services, including a substation of the Girard Police Department. The department, which will allow officers to perform their duties off-site in addition to the downtown station, opened Friday during the open house.
The substation is linked by computer to the police department and court in the justice center, as well as to the high school. The technology loop also connects to Ball State University, and could eventually be hooked into other university systems for use in video presentations, distance-learning projects and more, Carey-D'Rummo said.
"There is really nothing that compares with it in this valley," O'Connell added.
In addition to the new substation, the center also offers everything from exercise, yoga and tai chi classes to a computer cafe, health screenings and a daily coffee bar for senior citizens. There are also tutoring programs, a renovated gymnasium, parenting and family courses from the Solace Center and volunteer opportunities through the Trumbull County Probate Court.
"Our focus is really on education and wellness," explained Carey-D'Rummo.
The Girard Multi-Generational Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and some evenings, as programming is set monthly. For information, call (330) 545-6596.
slshaulis@vindy.com