SENIOR CENTERS RECEIVE GRANTS

State grants of $5,000 each have been approved for 10 senior centers in Cameron, Potter and McKean counties.

Seniors gather at the centers for meals, informative programs, social activities, games and recreation.

Much of each center's operational expense comes through fund-raisers and donations.

Centers are independently responsible for their mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance and capital improvements.

Sherry Hoffman, director of the Potter County Area Agency on Aging, said funding limitations have forced centers to cut back to three days of operation per week.

Grants have been approved for centers in Emporium, Coudersport, Driftwood, Ulysses, Galeton, Shinglehouse, Port Allegany, Smethport, Eldred and Smethport.

Each center has flexibility in determining how to spend the $5,000. Some plan to make structural improvements to their facilities, while others will purchase equipment.