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Deardoff Senior Center to mark 15 years with reunion
Sunday, May 11, 2008
FRANKLIN — The Deardoff Senior Center is celebrating its 15th birthday with a reunion.
Built in 1993 with money left by Walter and Audrey Deardoff, the center, at 605 S. River St., has become a dream realized and a place for area seniors to play bingo, stop for lunch or take an exercise class.
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"Walter always wanted this to be a gathering place," said director Mildred Brown. "Just a place to come in and have a cup of coffee or play cards."
Since it opened membership has grown to nearly 400. And even as funds left by the Deardoffs began to dwindle, the community showed its support at the polls in November by passing a tax levy, which is being used in part to keep the doors open.
This Tuesday, May 13, past and present members are invited to celebrate the center's history.
"It would be a full house and a nice celebration to have a reunion," Brown said.
She is hoping to find some members of three groups that originally came to the center: the Ding-a-Lings, Silver Rails and Sixty Plus or Minus.
"They just brought life to the senior center," Brown said.
And now with so many years under its belt, the center also has a high volunteer spirit and more programs than ever, she said.
"There are more programs and partnerships made," Brown said. "We can keep the doors open and the lights on, but it takes money and sponsorships to have quality programs."
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mengle@coxohio.com.
