Published: May 12, 2008 12:19 pm         

Money spent toward senior center

By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



The town of Kimberly is getting closer to opening its new senior center.

At a special called council meeting Tuesday, council members voted to spend $2,093 for furniture for the senior center.

Center director Jody Newman has ordered couches, chairs and coffee tables. She said the furniture should arrive in three weeks.

Also Tuesday, the council agreed to rent a Dumpster for the center at $45 a month, and to place floodlights on the building.

Newman said that the refrigerator and sink has been installed at the center. The county health department has also inspected the facility.

On April 21, Newman received specialized training from the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens Services (OSCS). This is her first time to serve as a senior center director.

About 35 senior citizens age 60 and older showed up this week at Kimberly Town Hall, where Newman signed them up for daily meals provided by the OSCS.

“I’m real pleased with everybody I’ve met and with the turnout,” said Newman.

She also gathered ideas and suggestions from seniors about what they would like to do at the senior center.

Newman has several activities and programs planned, including cards and other games, pot luck suppers, pancake breakfasts, reading, movies, day trips, holiday parties, computer classes and wellness seminars.

She also plans to have a speaker at the center each week to discuss issues important to senior citizens.

The center should open in June if everything is in place.

“Everyone has been very cooperative,” said Newman. “I’m very pleased.”