Park Vista breaks ground on learning center

By Brandon Klein

bklein@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Charlotte C. Gelhaar would have appreciated the shiny helmets and shovels lined up outside the Park Vista’s Gathering Room, 1216 Fifth Ave., on Thursday morning.

“My mom would be so happy today,” her son, Peter Gelhaar of Boston, said.

The Mahoning Valley Lifelong Learning Institute had a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gelhaar Center, named in Charlotte’s honor.

The institute surpassed its campaign goal of $1 million for program endowment and capital improvements.

Charlotte was the honorary chairwoman of the campaign for the institute. She died in January 2014 at age 86.

“I’m just very happy that my mom’s dream has come to fruition,” Gelhaar said.

Lorilyn Shandor, campaign and gift-planning director for Park Vista of Youngstown, said the campaign committee raised $1,014,000 for the center, which will be an addition to the east side of the Gathering Room.

“Our donors have been with us every step of the way,” said Brian Kolenich, executive director of Park Vista.

The center will bring course presentations and lectures for people 50 and older, including those with hearing and vision difficulties, who want to continue their education. The center will be immersed in technology, making virtual tours in Paris possible.

“The future of the institute is here,” said Marise Sahyoun, institute director.

She said the institute had 700 participants last year with less than half from Park Vista, and the remainder from the greater community in the Mahoning Valley. The expansion will help accommodate the increasing number of people attending.

Attached to the center will be an enclosed sculpture garden where smaller lectures and reflection will take place.

Mayor John A. McNally, another speaker at the ceremony, said education doesn’t end with high school or college.

“It’s something that continues throughout your life,” he said.