View full sizeThe future Semmes Senior Center, 9635 Moffett Road, is the former estate home of the family who owned the well-known Blackwell Nursery in Semmes. (Courtesy of Morgan Phillips/MoJoy Photography) SEMMES, Alabama — In just a few months, the senior citizens of Semmes and the surrounding community will be able to take part in fun, fitness and educational activities at the Semmes Senior Center, 9635 Moffett Road.
The Mobile County Commission, with the leadership of Commissioner Connie Hudson, and the Semmes Woman’s Club are partnering to fund renovation and operation of the 4,000-square-foot home once owned by the Blackwell Nursery family, and plans are moving forward to have the program operational by the last quarter of 2012.
At an expenditure of $720,000, the Mobile County Commission has purchased the facility and provided some funds for renovation of the building and operation of the programs.
The role of the Semmes Woman’s Club is to serve as a positive advocate for the center within the community, with a goal of raising $130,000 for the project. So far, $69,000 of that amount has been raised through room-naming sponsorships and grants.
Those funds will go for necessary furnishings, fitness equipment, computers, office furniture, billiards tables, dining tables and chairs for a state-of-the-art facility to be ready to operate efficiently on opening day.
View full sizeMembers of the Semmes Senior Center committee include, front row, from left: Sherry Webb, Karen McDuffie, Carolyn Owens; back row: Ann Phillips, Mary Rodning, Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson and Diane Moore. (Jo Anne McKnight/Press-Register Correspondent)Rooms and areas so far sponsored include the gathering/reception area (Semmes Woman’s Club), dining room and multi-purpose/arts and crafts room (City of Semmes) and the outdoor porch area (the Mary and Dr. Charles Rodning family).
Substantial contributions have also been made by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, Century Bank of Semmes and AHEPA Senior Housing.
Other rooms or areas open to sponsorship and naming opportunity include the private meeting/office room, computer/media room, fitness room/exercise area and the billiards room.
Individual contributions of $250 or more will be recognized per room on a first-come, first-served basis. More generous donations will be acknowledged appropriately. Contributions are tax-deductible.
The Semmes Woman’s Club Committee (operating as the Semmes Senior Center Committee) will serve on an advisory board and will give input as the work progresses; hire and oversee a program director; establish guidelines for the center; determine days and hours of operation; and ensure that required paperwork is completed by senior center members twice a year.
The SWC committee, consisting of chairwoman Diane Moore, Alice Baker, Tina Davis, Toni Davis, Caresse Fincher, Pat Grisso, Sandra Hillman, Betty Houston, Karen McDuffie, Carolyn Owens, Ann Phillips, Mary Rodning and Sherry Webb, met with Hudson on April 11 to discuss the progress of the center.
According to the committee’s guidelines, the center will provide educational programs, recreational activities, social interaction, counseling and support groups, wellness activities and volunteer opportunities.in a local setting that will enable seniors to stay independent and living in their own homes for as long as possible.
The center will offer computer accessibility and training; classes for personal growth, such as painting, photography, financial planning; clubs for special interests such as ancestry, walking and hiking; health screenings; shopping trips; dancing; card and board games; billiards; exercise and relaxation; entertainment; and annual events. The center will also provide meals.
The wellness seminars will cover everything from managing arthritis to preventing low back pain to nutrition education and causes of balance problems and fall prevention.
Moore said that an investment in the new Semmes Senior Center will help build a better future for Semmes and the surrounding areas. “It’s a win/win situation for all,” she said.
Contributions may be mailed to Semmes Senior Center, Century Bank, 7875-A Moffett Road, Semmes, AL 36575. For additional information, contact Moore at 251-645-9176 or semmesseniorcenter@yahoo.com.
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This story was written by Jo Anne McKnight, Press-Register Correspondent.