Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
Senior Citizen Center
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In recent years, attendance at Senior Center functions has declined as charter members became less able to attend the weekly dinner, music, and game nights. The expense of keeping the center open had begun to exceed the $2 per person donations of those attending. This year, the Lexington Senior Citizens faced the possibility of being unable to meet their tax, utility, and insurance bills. Don Webb had offered to take over the payments in exchange for being able to use the building for a library, but seniors attending last Tuesday’s meeting rejected that proposal in favor of keeping the building as a senior center. Lexington Senior Citizens had never incorporated as a 501 (c) organization, which kept them from qualifying for various grants and programs that might be available to them, as well as obligating them to pay taxes from which they might otherwise be exempt.
Ruby Nickason was elected president, and she has made it a goal to encourage more participation by opening the center more often for coffee, cards, dominoes, or just sitting and chatting. Lexington Senior Citizens may also pursue incorporation and qualifying for grants or assistance programs.
As if in celebration of the new energy, the senior center rocked with good music after the potluck dinner. Lexington police officer BJ Connelly displayed his talents, playing a smoking piano, along with five guitar pickers and assorted vocals by Lexington Senior Citizens members.
The Lexington Senior Citizens invites all Lexington area seniors to join them every Tuesday. Dues are only $5 a year, and a $2 donation is requested for the dinner and music. Dinner is potluck and those who are able are asked to bring a dish to share, whether it’s something homemade or as simple as cheese and crackers. Dinner is at 7:00 but come early for cards, dominoes and visiting.