Editorial

Jackson senior center

Senior citizens in Jackson are almost as giddy as children on Christmas morning now that they've broken ground for construction of a new senior center.

And rightfully so.

After five years of seeking donations and talking about the need for a new building, the senior center is slated for construction. The project should be complete in a matter of months.

Jackson's senior citizens have desperately needed more space for years. The current building has limited parking, a lack of handicap accessibility and generally crowded rooms. The building is so small that seniors must eat lunch in shifts to accommodate everyone.

But thanks to two developers, community volunteers and donations from individuals and businesses, the center will get a new facility for about $750,000.

The project is a major one for the center's board, but the new facility will mean more room for seniors to gather for hot meals at noon, space for continuing education and programs suited to an aging population, as well as a design that is welcoming to the disabled.

A community development block grant will pay for $200,000 of the cost, since the new center is so close to a senior apartment complex. After adding up all the donations and the sale of the current building, the senior center expects to finance up to $100,000 of the project.

Creativity and community involvement have helped make the construction of a new senior center possible in Jackson. Residents should be commended for supporting such a fine project that's not only good for the senior adult population but beneficial to the community as well.

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