Templeton senior center marks 10 years, dedicates library to Priscilla Leclerc

Templeton Senior Community Center celebrated its 10th anniversary on July 30, 2025, marking a decade of programs and social activities and dedicating the center’s library to Priscilla Leclerc.

The dedication was announced during the celebration. A speaker at the event said, "With this plaque, we officially dedicate and name the center's library to Priscilla Leclerc in appreciation of her service to the senior citizens of Templeton." Attendees described the center as a social lifeline for regular participants.

Why it matters: the center provides recurring social, recreational and support activities for older residents who said the site reduces isolation and fosters intergenerational interaction. Susan Reeves, who identified herself as a retired licensed practical nurse who worked for the school district for 10 years, told the gathering that "everybody is so nice and friendly and, feel like it's just 1 big family." Margie Whittemore, a retired nurse, said she spends "2 or 3 days here a week and enjoy[s] just coming and seeing the people and interacting." Eleanor Ashenault called the recent senior prom "just so much fun," adding she had "never heard a bad word about anyone here."

Remarks at the event credited Priscilla Leclerc with more than a decade of service that helped lead to the center's creation. According to the speaker, Leclerc attended Henry Haywood School of Nursing, had a 40-year nursing career, served as president of the Council on Aging's board of directors for years, and was a founding member of the senior center building oversight committee. The speaker noted the center "opened its doors on 07/29/2015, 10 years ago yesterday," and called the dedication a way to honor Leclerc's "heart, her vision and her dedication to making this wonderful place a reality."

Other attendees described the center’s daily role. Mary Martin, a participant, said, "I enjoy coming here doing new little things, serve food, do crafts, learn how to draw," and Sally Waite said, "It feels like family here. ... It's an amazing, amazing place." Organizers and speakers emphasized social activities, meals and volunteer roles as central offerings.

The dedication was ceremonial and presented at the celebration; no formal vote or municipal ordinance was cited in the remarks to record the naming. The event combined tribute remarks with participant testimonials about ongoing programs and social benefits.