Local News
Newest senior center opens
By Tiffany Green
STAFF WRITER
BAILEYTON — More than 120 seniors packed the basement of the Baileyton health clinic Thursday for the grand opening of the 14th senior center in Cullman County.
“We’re blessed. We had no idea we would have this turnout,” Mayor Johnny Dyar said. “We were expecting about 25 people.”
The center was opened with help from the Baileyton Town Council and the Cullman County Commission on Aging.
“This is a great turnout,” said Ellen Robertson, from the Commission on Aging. “This is more than we ever expected.”
Frankie Glynn with the Commission on Aging was excited to see the new center open.
“I think it’s more than anyone expected,” she said. “This is a great turnout.”
“Our seniors are the most important thing in our town, and we now have a nice place for them,” Dyar said.
Baileyton Town Clerk Pat Gilbert said food had been ordered for about 75, but when they saw how many people were showing up they had to order more.
The mayor and town council were shocked at the turnout.
“We’re just excited,” Dyar said.
Randall Shedd, director of Cullman County Commission on Aging, was surprised at the number of people.
“It’s just a great day,” he said. “We are overwhelmed at the size of turnout, and it show there’s a need. We are just going to do all we can at the Commission on Aging to help.”
The seniors enjoyed bluegrass singing from Floyd Bradford and friends and ate a home-cooked meal provided by Walker Mead and Jack’s Truck Stop.
Cullman County Commissioners, the sheriff, former sheriff, superintendent of Cullman County schools and many others were on-hand for the opening.
“Folks enjoy the singing at these centers,” said James Graves, Cullman County Commission chairman. “We want to wish you the best of luck. Whatever we can do for you out here we would be tickled pink to help.”
Doug Williams, Cullman County commissioner, was glad to help open the newest senior center.
“I’m so glad to see this many folks out here,” Williams said. “We are committed to our seniors in Cullman County.”
Sheriff Tyler Roden was there to let the seniors know how much they mean to the community.
“This will be a great opportunity for law enforcement to be able to communicate better with y’all,” Roden said.
Roden told the seniors there are always people trying to scam senior citizens and wanted to let them know the sheriff’s department will do whatever they can to be there for town of Baileyton and its residents.
“I’m excited,” said Walker Mead, a member of the Baileyton Town Council. “I’m so glad this crowd showed up and proud you could come today.”
Seniors who have not been able to go to center will now have one close by.
“We’ve been looking forward to it for a long time,” Louise Shedd said.
She has been a lifelong resident of the community and had previously traveled to the Cullman center.
“This will be close for me to come to,” she said.
Wanda Walker Clay, who was helping to serve lunch, was excited about the opening.
“I wanted this for our seniors for a long time, and now I’m one of them and glad we finally got this,” she said. “We are so proud of our new mayor and new council.”
‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 221.
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