Wheeling officials: Senior center not closing

Village officials on Thursday again tried to allay fears that the Wheeling Pavilion Senior Center is closing after they fired the director earlier this week for spreading rumors that it was.

Acting Village President Judy Abruscato and Village Manager Mark Rooney attended a meeting of the senior advisory board at the pavilion.

Abruscato said at least 40 village residents also attended the meeting because they were worried about the rumors.

The village fired Nancy Janssen, the director of senior services, on Monday for giving out the information on its closing in a newsletter, Rooney said.

"She put out information that was false and needlessly upset and caused worry to the senior population of the village," Rooney said.

Abruscato said the village has talked about moving the recreation portion of the center to the Wheeling Park District.

"We want to make sure that the seniors understand our position," she said. "We have never talked about closing the Senior Center."

Abruscato said the village will also start interviewing for a new director soon.

Janssen could not be reached for comment.