Public invited to celebrate June 11 opening of center

By Sandy Morris

After opening its doors informally a few weeks ago, the Senior Citizens Activity Center will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11.

The event is open to the public and will  honor the late Rodney Alexander and his family. 

A ribbon cutting conducted by Chamber of Commerce members will be followed by a reception and refreshments. 

Alexander was the Albany mayor who was instrumental in securing the building for the center, as well as serving as the general contractor when he passed away unexpectedly.

The project was completed by his son and business partner, Cody Alexander. 

Board president Tracy Sullivan said the center has been busy the past few weeks.

“We’ve had lots of folks playing games and visiting with each other,” said Sullivan. “Moving forward, we are working on offering programs and health education to the seniors who visit the center.”

The facility was scheduled to open last year when the pandemic was declared.

The board met in  April and decided to have a  “soft opening” May 4 through June 11 in order to finish decorating the center in preparation for the grand opening to the public. 

The senior game days previously held on Fridays at the Shackelford County Library also resumed at the center after a year’s lapse due to COVID, hosted by Kindred at Home.

Starting in August, the board plans to bring in age-related presentations dealing with health and finance.

The center is intended for use only by senior citizens age 55 and above with no exceptions. 

Hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

It will not be rented to families, church or school groups, or other organizations, according to board members.