Gene Facine checks out one of two new computers installed in Hartselle’s new Senior Center.

A spacious and fully furnished new Hartselle Senior Center observed a public open house on Sunday afternoon and will soon be opened for the exclusive use of senior citizens 60 years of age and older.
“We had about 100 guests come tour the facility from 2 – 4 p.m.,” said center director Carla Oakes. “We got a lot of positive response and even signed up some new members the next day.”
“Much more space is the big difference between what we had in the old place and what we have now,” said Lenora Yarbrough, senior council secretary.  “We also have access to a large adjoining room, which will be used for various activities such as playing cards, craft-making, quilting and art lessons. You could say that we’re uptown now, with a wall-mounted flat screen TV, six pieces of living room furniture and two computers.
The furniture was designed, manufactured and donated by Premier Furniture. Co.
“We also have a library and a safe place to store our games and other supplies,” added Mary Nix, council president.
Oakes said the center, which is open from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. weekdays, accommodates about 20 to 25 people on a regular basis and has had as many as 35 in attendance at the same time.
“With what we have to offer now, I expect to see others come join us,” she said.”
Participants say the benefits of becoming active at the center include participation in social activities and communication in addition to staying up-to-date on program available to seniors and frees legal advice.
The new center contains 2103 square feet and was constructed under contract to E-Tech Construction of Hartselle at a cost of approximately  $384,000. The city received a $250,000 grant to help build the facility. The city contributed $50,000 and Morgan County Districts Two and Three each contributed $50,000.