Services moved to other sites as Hamilton headquarters undergoes repairs after pipe burst.

By Linda Ebbing, Staff Writer, Hamilton Journal News

Sunday, February 01, 2009

HAMILTON - With restoration work expected to take at least six months, Partners in Prime officials are relocating services and programs to accommodate club members. Ross Avenue headquarters on Friday, Jan. 30, were moved to Vora Technology Park on Knightsbridge Drive.

"We have been told it would be approximately six to nine months for the renovation to be complete and the Hamilton club to reopen," said Karen Lowery, member services coordinator. "Our main goal during the renovations is to keep our members connected. Staying connected is very important to their wellness and this is achieved through recreational, fitness and social activities."

A frozen pipe ruptured Jan. 16, causing widespread damage to ceilings, walls, flooring and equipment at the 108-year-old former school building at 140 Ross Ave.

"We will need to do further deconstruction prior to any restoration," said Steve Schnabl, chief executive officer. "Extra precautions will occur since we assume we have a minor asbestos mixture in the old plaster that was flood-damaged, plus lead paint issues to address first."

Twenty employees, including kitchen staff, were moved to the former Champion Paper building where Meals on Wheels will be prepared. In-home services also will operate from there.

"Local businesses and organizations have offered their facilities and we are utilizing them," Lowery said.  Locations of activities are posted on the organization's Web site, partnersinprime.org. Also, seniors may visit other sites at 536 Patterson Drive in Fairfield and 9090 Cox Road in West Chester Twp.