Senior Center Has Grand Re-Opening

A ribbon cutting and grand opening was held at the newly renovated Jasper County Senior Center Friday with festivities lasting all day. For the ribbon cutting, several dignitaries spoke, including County Commission Chairman Carl Pennamon, and State Rep. Susan Holmes. Rev. Jimmy Horton gave the invocation.

Afterwards visitors toured the center and a program outlining the history of the center was presented. County Manager Mike Benton served as emcee, and talked about the application process for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that funded the renovation.

He recognized the commissioners present, including Chairman Pennamon, Bruce Henry and Don Jernigan, as well as DCA, Allen-Smith Consulting, Jim Mehserle with JMA architects, and Terry Ross with Brannen Development. Also, the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Commission, and the Area Agency on Aging. He also recognized the staff of the Board of Commissioners, and Senior Center Director Tracy Norton.

A plaque in memory of Gene Trammell, former commission chairman who died after the project was in the works was to be presented to his widow, Jeanne Trammell, however she was not there.

Chairman Pennamon gave some information on the history of the senior center, from the time it was constructed as a day care to the present time, then Cissy Benton, director of Thomas Persons Hall, where the seniors met at one time, gave a history of the directors of the center. Each of their photos were on the wall at the center, and several were present.

Towards the end of the program, the Voices of Angels, senior center choir sang a song, then door prizes were given out. After the program, everyone was invited to stay for a hot dog lunch, tours and entertainment.