BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Special thanks to all who helped contribute photos from the day! Michael Gay, Brenda Dennis, Andy Markley, Janet Krantz and Jamie Brown. (Cell phones can shut down in the heat, and they were my lifesavers!)
Under a blazing morning sun, the crowd began to gather Thursday in an open lot next to the old Millbrook Police Station on Grandview Road, finding shade under a tent, or the trees.
The long-awaited groundbreaking for a brand new, large Senior Center was about to become reality.
It was hard to determine who had the biggest smiles. Dozens of area seniors wore them proudly, with exclamations of “Oh, this is so wonderful!”
But topping the list of the biggest smile would have to go to Senior Center Director Olivia Venable, who was on the City Council when the new Center was approved. She has served as the director for the past six years, and most will say her hand in planning events, her passion and love for her community, and her seemingly endless energy, have played a major role in growing participation numbers.
“Oh, I cannot tell you how happy I am that today has come,” Venable said, almost shaking with excitement.
Light refreshments were available, including a treat for the Seniors with special cookies thanks to Robert Fales with Family Home Furniture. They were eagerly consumed, a testament to the talent of the Sweet Carte and owner Ingrid Graves.
City of Millbrook Project Manager Stuart Peters welcomed everyone, and introduced officials such as Mayor Al Kelley, Council President Michael Gay, Council members Jaquelyn Thomas, Jimmy Harris, Justin Jones and Hal Hodge. Senator Clyde Chambliss, ADECA Deputy Director Elaine Fincannon, and Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown were welcomed.
“This project has been at least three years in the making,” Peters said. “It is much anticipated. A side story – (Olivia Venable) was very specific on the needs of the senior citizens. We needed a center, a new place to learn, activities, garden space, wide open activities.”
Peters said that Mayor Kelley wanted to see a big front porch. “You have to have a front porch. He wanted a farmhouse, traditional, nostalgic, so that is what we did. Keep this number in mind. 3,600 square feet is what we planned on. We went through ADECA and got a grant. A Community Development Block Grant for $250,000.”
Peters and Kelley put their heads together, and plans grew, with more space added.
“We needed more room. We needed more space. Because Olivia recruits like Nick Saban. She wants the best, she wants to fill it up, so we had to make this a little bit bigger. So your center is 4,500 square feet. You have classrooms, restrooms, full kitchen, storage, office, quiet room. You have everything. And, your front porch is 100 feet long,” he said to thunderous applause.
When the city originally went to bid the project, it was before COVID, and for the original square footage. Fast forward, expenses went up, the building grew, but Peters said that worked out just fine.
“But that is OK, because your city council and your mayor added more funds and the project is ready to go!” Peters said.
Peters then recognized Danny Webb with Webb Builders, David Mullins the architect, and Greg Gillian who helped with engineering. It has been a team effort, and Peters said he appreciated being a part of it.
Construction is expected to take around nine months, weather permitting.
Mayor Al Kelley had a huge smile of his own as he addressed the seniors and guests.
“Stuart has been a tremendous part of this whole process. We couldn’t have done it without him coordinating everything and putting it together…David and the builders, and Greg to bring it all together. It has been a tough project.”
Kelley gave a little history of how the idea of a new Senior Center came to be several years back.
“After we bought this property here, my wife Brenda and I were riding around and looking at the property. The old houses were sitting on it. We came through here and got to thinking about what we could do. The more we thought about a Senior Center the more we liked it. We wanted a ranch style, farmhouse with a big front porch. It is 100 feet long and 10 feet wide. So we are going to have some rocking chairs and dominoes!” Kelley said.
He said he is so thankful for everyone involved. He thanked the Central Alabama Regional Planning organization, governor’s office and Sen. Chambliss for the help.
“It is going to be a beautiful facility when we are through. Something our seniors, including me, can be a part of. Play the games, do the things and have the camaraderie like they do now. And Olivia Venable…you couldn’t ask for a better cheerleader. She is constantly doing something with those seniors. That is her life right now and she loves it. Olivia does a great job,” he said.
Kelley said there will be a large garden for the facility, which is important to the seniors.
“That building (old police department) will be coming down. It will open up this entire space right here. It will be a tremendous venue for all of us, not just the seniors,” Kelley said.
Next up was ADECA Deputy Director Elaine Fincannon.
“I am so excited to be here!” she told the crowd. “With all of the improvements the city is doing, the quality of life is clearly a priority. The Senior Citizens Centers means so much to their community and to the people who utilize it. For one thing they provide interaction, socialization, and we all have come to realize how important that is….to gather with our family and friends.”
Fincannon said every year ADECA provides hundreds of projects and funds those projects that positively impact Alabama. “And I cannot think of a more deserving project than a Senior Center. Our seniors have provided so much for their community. They continue to provide, volunteer and contribute in so many ways that make life better for all of us in Alabama.”
She said Alabama’s people are our greatest asset. The $250,000 grant is an investment that will pay dividends now and in the future, she said.
Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown said, “I have to tell you after hearing about the Senior Center…I may have to move to Millbrook. And I would greatly appreciate an invitation to the ribbon cutting. At the Department of Senior Services, we are acutely aware of the effect of isolation and loneliness and how it affects our senior citizens. We have all been through a very frightening time where we had to isolate ourselves for so long. What I love about visiting the senior centers across the state, is not only are they a wonderful place for you to have a meal with your friends, the Department of Senior Services pays for over 5 million senior meals a year. We do our best to make sure those meals are not only nutritious but they look appetizing. But also included is the companionship.”
Senator Clyde Chambliss said, “What a great day in the City of Millbrook,” and then invited Olivia up front. He presented her with a photo of himself and Gov. Kay Ivey with commendation for her, and her efforts in providing for area seniors.
“I am just elated…my heart is overspilling with joy. Our center has been in operation for about 30 years. It has been operating in a city building all of those years. It has been kind of a secret. We tend to forget that we have a portion of our community that are seniors. I put it in my spirit to say everybody in Millbrook 60 and over is going to know we have a senior center specifically for them.” Venable told the crowd.
Venable praised and thanked all involved on this path. “When I said we needed a senior center, all I heard was ‘OK.’ So we are at this point now we will fulfill the wish and desire for our senior community. Our local partner is the YMCA of Camp Grandview. I really appreciate the Y for knowing how important our senior community is. They have paved the way. The guys and girls over at the Central Alabama Consortium are our backbone. They let us know how to operate our centers….and always here to support us.”
Venable said she is in a place in life where what is important needs to be expressed. “So, seniors you are important and we are about to express ourselves! The loyalty that our seniors show lets me know we are going to have a wonderful program. They are here rain, snow, sleet or hail like the mailman. We have to keep the senior center open because they are really diligent and they come. I just want to thank them…no matter what their ailments are, they are really psyched when it is time to come. And they don’t want to go home when it is time to leave.”
Venable said she is grateful to God to have the opportunity to serve the community. “We invite everyone 60 or older to join the program. We will have plenty of space to accommodate you. There will not only be a nice hot lunch but fun and games. There will be personal communication with each other, somebody to have an ear for you. There will be somebody to cry with you if that is what you need and someone to laugh with you when you need that.”
Peters thanked Economic Development Director Ann Harper and the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce for planning the days’ events and organizing such a special celebration.
With that, the dirt was broken ceremonially, congratulations all around, and a new history for the Millbrook Senior Center was celebrated. The Elmore/Autauga News will closely follow the construction, as well as the future with the programs and offerings that will be available.
