Bear Creek Senior Center opens Monday

BEAR CREEK      -  Plans the past several years for the town of Bear Creek to open its first senior citizen center have finally come to fruition, with those ages 60 and older urged to sign up for the program celebrating a grand opening this Friday, Sept. 29.
The center, which will be located at the Bobby Bishop Community Center, will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting 9-11 a.m., and its first official day open to seniors on Monday, Oct. 2, stated Director Eugenia Cottongin.
Cottongin was named by the Town Council as center director at the council’s regular meeting Wednesday, Sept. 20, with a salary of $12.50 an hour working 20 hours per week.
“It is just a dream come true for the citizens of Bear Creek, for senior citizens,” Cottongin pointed out.
Once the center officially opens, it will be available to seniors from 8 a.m. until noon Monday through Friday, with daily lunch 11 a.m. provided by the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, which has partnered with the town to provide the senior services, town officials said.
Those ages 60 and older, or the spouse of a person age 60 and older, are urged to call the new phone line for the center, 205-486-4199, and arrangements will be made to complete an application, Cottongin emphasized.
“I’d like for them to be at open house (Sept. 29) and definitely come in Oct. 2,” she stated. “We have paperwork we need to fill out on everyone.”
There is no cost to the senior to attend the senior center for meals and activities, Cottongin stressed.
“We will accept any donations that they would like to give,” she said. “There is absolutely no cost.”
Cottongin urges seniors to sign up this week if at all possible. They can visit her and sign up Monday-Friday 2-5 p.m. at the Bobby Bishop center, where Cottongin’s office will be located.
“We want them to come and enjoy this,” she stated. “It’s a good fellowship.