BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGANEWS
Top Photo: The Millbrook Fire Department unfurled a huge, beautiful American Flag in front of the Millbrook Senior Center Friday. It was part of the Memorial Day observance hosted by the city. We will have a separate story on that event in the coming days. (EAN Photo by Sarah Stephens)
Editor’s Note: There are other stories to come on the Millbrook Senior Center and those who played vital roles. Those stories will come in the near future.
It has been almost three years in the making, but Friday hundreds of people came to the new Millbrook Senior Center on Grandview Road to get a first-hand look at the new facility.
Olivia Venable was glowing, with a perpetual smile. She is the Senior Center Director, and served on the Millbrook Council when first talks began of the new facility. She has been the biggest cheerleader, but said there are so many people who had a hand in making this a reality.
As people made their way into the entrance they saw a huge mural depicting Millbrook including past, present and future. Included in the mural is a beautiful painting of the old Main Street area that was once lined with beautiful oak trees.
The mural was created by Sarah Tanner.
Other features of the mural include the Old Mill, and the main building planned for The Field at 17 Springs.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley spoke of his initial vision of the Senior Center from years ago, after the city acquired the properties. He said that he and his wife Brenda Kelley were discussing uses for the lots, and the idea of the senior center was born.
“I knew one thing for sure, and that was it needed a big front porch. I am happy to say the porch on this facility is 100-feet long and will be filled with rocking chairs. I want to see dominoes being played in the future, and folks gathered to visit and enjoy,” Mayor Kelley said. “We talked about a farmhouse concept, but with a lot of room for different activities.”
The Center sports a large kitchen, a laundry room, a Quiet Room, separate activity room, handicap accessible restrooms and a large main room. On the back is a beautiful patio area in the shade of a giant Oak Tree.
Thanks to Millbrook Baptist Church and volunteers, a garden has been planted near the back patio. The Millbrook Garden Club and city departments have worked to beautify the area with new sod and lovely flowers in pots.
In speaking of the size of the building, Kelley said that as plans progressed, the building continued to grow in size. He admits this has been a pet project of his and for many city officials, as they recognize the importance of a place for seniors to gather and enjoy activities.
Olivia Venable echoed that, saying, “Life doesn’t end just because you are over 60! I see this building, and the joy it is going to bring to so many. This is just a fantastic day.”
Olivia received a standing ovation from the crowd, after she talked of her dreams for the future, and her love for senior citizens in the community.
Stuart Peters led the Senior Center Dedication Ceremony, but has been instrumental in the planning and engineering of the facility.
Making remarks at the dedication were Peters, Venable, Kelley, Bill Myers with the Grandview YMCA and Senators Clyde Chambliss.
Bill Myers is the Executive Director of the Grandview YMCA and oversees the programming for the Senior Center. Clyde Chambliss spoke of his own parents, who recently passed away, and how they loved visiting area senior centers. He spoke of the joy that senior centers brought to their lives.
Older Americans Month was proclaimed by Gov. Key Ivey and a proclamation was read by Commissioner Jean Brown with the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
Susan Segrest, with Central Alabama Aging Consortium, was recognized as she has announced she will be stepping down and taking on a new adventure soon.
The Dedication and blessing was led by Pastor Janet Krantz, with the Robinson Springs United Methodist Church.
What you need to know about the Senior Center:
Hours of operation (effective June 6): Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Activities include: Dominoes, checkers, puzzles and other games.
Bingo.
Art and Crafts.
Movie Days
Light Fitness Classes.
“Lunch & Learn” seminars on a variety of topics.
Registration forms are available at the Millbrook Senior Center or by phone. A monthly schedule of activities will be available soon. For more information, contact Olivia Venable at 334.312.5499. She said area seniors should know that as the program grows, so shall the activities offered.
The Millbrook Senior Center is located at 3771 Grandview Road, Millbrook, AL. The phone number is 334-290-5049.
Again, we will have many more stories to come on the Senior Center and those who had a vital part in its creation. May the facility continue to grow with programs, and invite seniors from throughout the area for a hundred years (and more) to come. See more photos from the celebration below.
