By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
The long-awaited opening of the Forrest City Senior Citizens Center took place this morning with a ribbon cutting and speeches.
"I think it's a grand day," said Mayor Larry Bryant before the ceremonies began. "We have a varied and diverse group of individuals here and hopefully this will be something good for the community. It's a full house and just a grand day."
He said one of the things he is happy about is the computer access that senior citizens will now have.
One computer has been purchased by the city. The county has bought another one.
"At the police department, we upgraded our computers and we had some old ones, and we donated one of those. We're working on Internet access, so we can try to have some plans to help them learn to e-mail, so if they have relatives all over the country, they can communicate," said Bryant.
He also said exercise equipment is on its way.
Tempie Moorehead, a retired educator whom Bryant credits with being instrumental in getting the idea started, was also happy.
"It is a beautiful building, and I'm sure it will be much more beneficial," she said, "first from the standpoint of getting in and out, because we had big problems getting in and out (at the Grobmyer Circle location). Also, there'll be walking space for every whichaway they want. And I'm also proud to know there will be computers and other things that some of us are interested in."
Bryant began his talk by asking the crowd, "It's a great day, isn't it? Long time coming, but sometimes you have to wait for good things, and indeed I think this is a good thing."
After prayers and the ribbon cutting, representatives were recognized including Millie Kurtz from the Area Agency on Aging, Robert Wilford of the Crowley's Ridge Development Council, Francille Honeycutt of the Arkansas Department of Economic Development and others.
St. Francis County Judge Carl Cisco was also asked to speak. He said Bryant had first contacted him about helping to do some dirt work, and later called him about the county furnishing a computer.
"So I've been in on the beginning and the end," Cisco said.
Bryant also introduced Moorehead to speak. "She's the one that kind of prodded me on."
Moorehead said the old Senior Citizens facility was inadequate.
"We always had to go to Marianna, to have our RSVP luncheons in Marianna. We had to go there every year," she said. "And they said, what are we going to do, and I said, we're going to go ask."
She said she finally made contact with Bryant, who helped her get in contact with the right people.
"Finally, it got started, but it took a long time. We got a little worried, several times. But the last thing I want to say is to God be the glory. We finally have our center. And we can do many more activities, be more involved. When you get old, I'm gonna tell you, the more you do, the better you do. Don't sit down all day. Come out to the center, or to somewhere, and find something to do."
As members of Company C based in Forrest City prepare to go into active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, supporters in Forrest City are also preparing a special sendoff scheduled for Monday.
According to a press release from St. Francis County Treasurer Ann Harbin's Office, the program will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. at the National Guard Armory.
According to Kelly Lewis with the Harbin's office, the program will include a performance by the Forrest City Mustang Band and the Forrest City High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp Color Guard. Congressman Marion Berry will also be on-hand to speak to the troops. A small reception will follow the ceremony.
"We just wanted to be involved in this effort so that we could show support for the men and women who are going to defend our country," said Lewis.
The program is also being sponsored by the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce.
"We're helping with invitations and refreshments, and the Chamber is just happy to do our part to send off our troops with as much support as possible," said Mary Beth Doler.
Several local citizens will also take part in the ceremony with Representative Danny Ferguson and State Senator Steve Higgenbotham speaking, along with Forrest City Mayor Larry Bryant and St. Francis County Judge Carl Cisco. First Judicial District Judge L.T. Simes III is also scheduled to sing at the event.
When one thinks of Halloween, pumpkins, ghouls, ghosts and candy come to mind. But beginning this year, the Toys for Tots wants people to think of needy children as well.
The effort is to provide underprivileged children masks, costumes, treat bags and other traditional Halloween items for next year.
Barbara Mills, with Toys for Tots, talked about the idea of collecting the Halloween items. "They bring me toys all year long," said Mills. "I fix them for Christmas for needy children. I have gotten some Halloween costumes in the past, and at first, I wasn't sure what to do with them. Then I thought I would collect them like we do the toys and give them to the children for next Halloween.
"We are asking that people donate their children's Halloween costumes and items instead of throwing them away."
Donations may be made at the Forrest City Public Library during their normal business hours, Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.