Jackson center gets hefty funding boost

For many of Jackson's senior citizens, a good part of life revolves around the senior center.

Their friends are there. Activities are scheduled. Most importantly, there's nutritious, delicious food -- and lots of it. Check out the mouthwatering menu sometime.

So it's appropriate that Missouri would recognize the Jackson Senior Center's contribution to the community with a $200,000 state grant. It will go a long way toward getting a new $450,000 facility.

The current facility isn't suitable for serving the large numbers of patrons -- 95 meals a day are served there now -- or the few staff members.

There needs to be more parking and more space for crafts. The flu-shot program had to be moved to another building due to lack of room.

No doubt the center will make the best use of the money to keep serving seniors who go there now and reach out to even more.