Ben Wilson Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The party atmosphere was infectious Friday as a joyous crowd celebrated the Ben Wilson Senior Center's silver anniversary in style.

By the time the Mummers All-Star Band jumped into a rousing rendition of "Dem Golden Slippers," the dance floor was filled with seniors moving and dancing like a bunch of 25-year-olds themselves.

"It is great to see the senior citizen community so active," said Wanda Kester, who has managed the center for the past two years. "This whole year as been overwhelming with celebrations and events."

The luncheons, pizza parties, pajama parties, and faux days at the beach offer more than an opportunity for regular visitors to show their appreciation of the center. They are also crucial fundraisers that go a long way toward keeping the center alive and thriving.

Approximately 89 percent of the Ben Wilson Center's budget comes from money raised by special events, senior center trips, bingo nights and banquet hall rentals. The other 11 percent is funded by Bucks County's Area Agency on Aging and the Pennsylvania Lottery.

The county money basically covers payroll," said Kester. "We have four part-timers. We just hired a janitor who works 20 to 25 hour weeks. He just focuses on cleaning the place. By the time he is finished, there is no time for maintenance or basic repairs."

Prior to its opening, senior citizen groups met informally at several different sites around the township, including the Warminster Presbyterian Church and the Lacy Park Community Center. 

In the late '70s, early '80s, the Warminster board of supervisors recognized a need for a dedicated space for the senior citizen community and provided a $60,000 starter fund. In 1987, Giuseppe Giaimo deeded to the township two acres from a 6.3 parcel he purchased at Street and Delmont roads for the purpose of constructing a senior center.

Months before the building opened in 1988, State Representative Benjamin Wilson died. Considered a driving force in having the center built, the site was named after Wilson. By the end of 1989, the center had more than 850 members who enjoyed regular meals in the dining hall, used the library and pool hall, and participated in various classes and activities.

In 1994, the members agreed that the center would be able to operate under its own expenses, rather than managed by the township. The Benjamin H. Wilson Senior Center was re-established as a non-profit corporation that is directed by a volunteer executive board. The center pays the township $1 per year to lease the building, and Warminster maintains the exterior grounds.

According to a fact sheet, more than 90 volunteers help keep the center running as at least 200 members visit per day. More than 24,000 meals are served annually in the dining room, and more than 3,360 meals are delivered through the meals-on-wheels program.

The Benjamin Wilson Senior Center is located at 580 Delmont Ave. in Warminster. Hours: Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hall rentals are available Fridays between 4 p.m. and midnight, Saturdays 8 a.m. to midnight and Sundays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (215) 672-8380 for more information.