A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony formally opened an adult day care center in Lehighton.

Andrew E. Harris, president and CEO of Blue Mountain Health System, recently welcomed dignitaries to see the new Adult Day Services center at 525 Iron St., Lehighton.The space formerly had been used as a conference center.The room is filled with large round tables where clients socialize or make crafts and there is a television viewing area with comfortable recliners for those who want to rest or watch television."We saw the potential of this space for the adult day program," Harris said. He said that to make the center a reality he reached out to his friends at the Redevelopment Authority who helped the hospital apply for a grant to make the space a reality.He credited Phyllis Rochette, Harold Pudliner and Bill Merluzzi, who were instrumental in helping the hospital make an application for a grant from the Monroe County Local Share Account. MCLS funds are more commonly known as "casino money," which is used for community projects and enhancements.The hospital received a grant of $235,000 to remodel the space.Grant funds were used for new cabinetry where clients medication, medical records and changes of clothing are stored, new handicapped accessible rest rooms and a new handicapped accessible ramp outside, plus to make the center safer, they installed a brand new sprinkler system, fire retardant sub flooring and fire walls.Harris then thanked Carbon County Commissioners Wayne Nothstein, Bill O'Gurek, Tom Gerhard; State senators John Yudichak and David Argall and State Rep. Doyle Heffley for their support.The Rev. Robert von Frisch offered a prayer and asked for God's blessing to dedicate the center."This center will be a source of comfort and rest and renewal," said von Frisch.Roxanne Downs, MSN, director of the center, said that the new center features a hair salon, kitchen, and activity room, where clients socialize, and do crafts.Lisa Johnson, vice president of public relations and marketing, said the space is a secure unit where families can bring their loved one for a day or more during the week. She noted that most clients come for a few days a week."The clients who come here have had some sort of medical issue, such as dementia, stroke or Parkinson's disease and cannot be home alone. "We tried to make this as homelike as possible."The center, open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, offers an alternative to nursing care while providing respite for those caring for someone at home.Downs said that the center is accepting new clients. They are licensed for 37 and presently there are 33 in the program. Approximately 22 come every day for services.The center is part of BMHS and can be provided under a physician's order. Additional services can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, laboratory testing, speech therapy and podiatry.