Wesley Village held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Wilmore Senior Community Center on June 17.

The celebration featured brass and choral music and comments from politicians who were instrumental in securing funding for the center.

The 13,000-square foot center is being funded by a $1 million community development block grant, awarded by the state Department for Local Government. The grant was matched by another $1 million raised by the Village.

The center will be open to all Jessamine seniors and will provide areas for performing arts, crafts, dining and exercise, among other activities.

"We hope today will provide you with just a taste of what it will be like to have this center available every day - with music to inspire us, words to uplift us, food to nourish us, and fellowship to strengthen us," said Glenda Creech, president and CEO of Wesley Village. "Let's truly celebrate this time we share together today."

Several speakers said the center is the result of impressive cooperation between various governments.

Bill Nighbert, deputy commissioner for the state Department for Local Government, called the center "an act of God, when you can put together all the people that were aligned for this project."

Nighbert, former mayor of Williamsburg, added, "I go into counties where they don't even speak to each other, much less work together."

Jessamine County Judge-Executive Neal Cassity said that county leaders "have made a pledge to work together to make things happen for this county." He called the group that he worked with "dedicated" and sincere."

State Rep. Bob Damron, D- Nicholasville, said the center shows what a public/private partnership can do when providing services for seniors.

Wilmore Mayor Harold Rainwater said the Village has served "with distinction."

"This will enhance the lives of seniors at Wesley Village, Wilmore and Jessamine County," he said.

Several people reflected on the unusual magnitude of the groundbreaking ceremony. Tim Layton, the Village's vice-president for development, called it "a glorious day for the city of Wilmore and Jessamine County."

State Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, said, "Today, truly, we have flown on the wings of eagles, and we have touched the face of God!"

Participating in groundbreaking for the new Senior Community Center at Wesley Village (l to r): Village resident and donor, Grace Albright; State Senator Tom Buford; Deputy Commissioner for Local Government, Bill Nighbert; Jessamine County Judge Executive Wm. Neal Cassity; local physician, Phyllis Corbitt; Village President and CEO, Glenda Creech; State Representative Bob Damron; Village Resident Association President, Audrey Goodloe; Village friend and donor, John Landrum; Village Vice-President for Development, Tim Layton; Associate Executive Director for Bluegrass ADD, Don Hassall; architect Carol Myers; Wilmore Mayor Harold Rainwater; Village Board Chair, Jim Stratton; Superintendent, Lexington District UMC, Paige Williams.

Reprinted with permission from
The Jessamine Journal
Nicholasville, KY
www.jessaminejournal.com