by Senator Cris Dush

The word community is a noun, meaning a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

I cannot think of a more appropriate word than “COMMUNITY” to describe the atmosphere surrounding the new Blaisdell Futures Rehabilitation Center ribbon-cutting ceremony, that I attended on Sept. 14 in Bradford.

For starters, the Futures Blaisdell Rehabilitation Center features a sensory room, music and current affairs corners, and several other areas that pair natural light with strategically selected paint colors to help clients relax and calm down.

This incredible facility is equipped with a handicap accessible bathroom with state-of the-art lifting capabilities, showers and easy clean floors with a drain. There is also a fully-staffed medical room and an even larger room for “COMMUNITY” activities.

The Futures mission statement is to support Pennsylvanians with disabilities to “Build on Abilities,” learn essential, transforming Life Skills, and to become participating, contributing members of the community through greater independence, choice and opportunity.

Just to name a few of the generous individuals, groups and organizations that made the new Futures Blaisdell Rehabilitation Center possible are The Rotary Club of Bradford, The Pembroke Foundation, Kessel Construction, Pure Tech LLC, CNB Bank, Madeline Miles, American Refining Group, J.A. Friscina Inc, and around 100 local small businesses.

What a truly GIVING COMMUNITY we have right here in the heart of Bradford, McKean County!