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Board member, residents urge Ava to preserve senior-center meals and programs
Summary
A senior-board member and local volunteers told the Board of Aldermen the senior center’s meals and activities are at risk and urged the city to keep dedicated space and funding; the mayor said the city will continue with its current plan and seek grant funding.
Dianna Middletott, a board member for the city’s senior program, told the Board of Aldermen on April 28 that planned changes to the senior center were being made without adequate community input and warned the loss of meals and activities would harm seniors’ health.
"Not having meals and activities for the seniors would have a significant impact on them and our healthcare system," Middletott said, adding that the center currently provides about 230 lunches per week and serves about 190 diners.
Matthew Rowe, speaking as a member of the Ava Lions Club and the Ava Farmer’s Market, said volunteers and local nonprofits are concerned about facility space and funding. Rowe said the seniors need a dedicated space and that grant-writing assistance may be required if nonprofit partners leave.
Mayor Kirk Pueppke responded that the city plans to continue with the current plan for services and will pursue grant funding to help cover costs.
Why it matters: The senior center provides daily meals and social activities that council members and residents say support older residents’ nutrition and mobility. Speakers linked reductions in services to potential declines in senior health and increased strain on local care systems.
What was said: Middletott pressed for clarity about how the city would replace lost equipment and cover operating costs if programs change; Rowe emphasized the need to keep park programs intact and to avoid placing seniors in shared spaces with incompatible activities. The mayor and staff said they will seek grant funding and maintain the current plan for now.
Next steps: The board did not vote on any change to the senior center at the April 28 meeting; city officials said they will pursue grants and maintain current operations while details are worked out.
