LARGE CROWD DEDICATES `DREAM HOME' FOR SENIORS

A new Cape Girardeau Senior Center, which board member Floyd K. Wright described as "our dream home," was formally dedicated Saturday at 921 North Clark.

Wright, a past president of the board, recalled how the center was first organized on April 15, 1974 and had moved from four rented locations. First, the center was at Sunny Hill's "Top of the Hill" restaurant, then it moved to North Middle, then to the Cape County Park, and later to the Civic Center building on Broadway.

Finally, in July of this year, the center moved into its own building.

"We have finally moved into our dream home," said Wright. "It truly was the dream of a lot of our people that we have a home of our own."

Following the dedication ceremonies, an open house was held at the center. A flag raising ceremony by the Joint Veterans Council started the event, followed by a ribbon cutting with Senior Center Board President Russel Faust, SEMO Area Agency on Aging Director Glenda Hoffmeister, and Cape City Councilman Melvin Gateley.

Missouri Supreme Court Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. of Cape Girardeau, was the keynote speaker.

Wright's remarks served as the dedication and included comments about the many volunteers who have died that worked to make the center a reality, and the future seniors who will benefit from the facility.

In particular, Wright singled out the late R.O. "Jack" Slaughter, who he credited with turning hopes and dreams into the reality of a new building that would be a permanent home.

Wright pointed to a shovel used by Slaughter at the ground breaking ceremony on April 15, 1992, with a plaque that proclaimed: "W.O. "Jack" Slaughter: He Too Had a Dream."

Wright explained that Slaughter urged them to start a building fund with a dollar a month club and to set in place a fundraising organization.

"There are many volunteers over the years who helped us and had dreams but did not live to see this day," said Wright.

He stressed the importance of dedicating the building also to the many volunteers and contributors who made the facility possible, as well as to future senior citizens who will use the center.

"We also dedicate this to people who are not yet seniors but will benefit from this center and have a better quality of life because of the work we have done," said Wright.

Jo Nelle Lingo, administrator of the center, said the new facility provides plenty of space for meals, recreation and parking. Said Lingo: "Not only is it beautiful in looks, but also very workable."

In his keynote address, Limbaugh said he hoped that in touring the center visitors would look beyond the physical appearance.

"I hope people who visit this place will not be impressed only with the physical plant, but will also be equally impressed with the vision of the people that have made this a reality," said Limbaugh.

"I hope that my generation will follow your example of civic-mindedness and caring for other people. I thank you for this showcase for Cape Girardeau."

The building has a mortgage of $335,000 that will be paid from fund raising events and further contributions.