By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
After a little more than 15 months, the new Copperas Cove Senior Center has become a reality, and was celebrated on Monday afternoon with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
It was a packed house at the new facility and was stading-room only.
Copperas Cove Mayor Dan Yancey talked about the project and what it means to the community.
“Today is about our seniors. You have given so much to this community through your work service, families and leadership, it is only fitting that we create a space where you can gather, stay active and enjoy fellowship,” Yancey said. “My hope is that this center becomes a place full of laughter, friendship and connection for many years to come. Today, we celebrate community, we celebrate gratitude, and we celebrate new beginnings.”
City Manager Ryan Haverlah thanked the City departments that worked on the project, along with Elements of Architecture, Texas Home Pro LLC, Clear Span Structures, and North Star Elite Construction & Consulting.
He likewise thanked the Hill Country Community Action Association for operating the center and providing programs and services.
The HCCAA leases the building and oversees the center’s programming as well as the Meals on Wheels.
Chief Executive Officer of the HCCAA, Ashley Johnson, was present and said a few words.
“ First and foremost, we have to thank the City of Copperas Cove, mayor, city council, city manager, Parks and Rec – without them, this would not be possible. We just get to be a partner and come along this fantastic ride with them,” Johnson said. “The second group is the VFW Post 8577. They opened their doors and gave us a home for eight months.”
She likewise thanked the City for the use of the Civic Center so HCCAA could continue to operate the Meals on Wheels programs, and thanked Baylor Scott & White for grants to purchase tables and chairs and necessary equipment for the center.
Johnson received a $250 check from Sandor Vegh with the Copperas Cove Optimist Club for the center.
Marie Hull was among the senior citizens cheering that the center had opened. She also had the opportunity to cut the ribbon for the facility.
She has frequented the center since moving to Copperas Cove nine years ago and has seen it go through changes. For Hull, her favorite spot is the large living room.
“I can’t wait to see it all decked out,” said Hull. There are decorations and more to be unpacked.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments were served and attendees were able to tour the entire facility.
The new center is an 8,000-square-foot pre-engineered metal building, with a dining area of more than 2,000 square feet, an 1,100-square-foot kitchen, three activity rooms, a community meeting room, as well as office space for administration and case workers.
The facility is complete, except for signage outdoors and rock wainscoting on the exterior.
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