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Residents, AARP and local volunteers urge council to support a Mebane senior center
Summary
Several residents and representatives, including a senior center director and AARP North Carolina's Triad rep, urged the council to back a dedicated senior center in Mebane to address isolation, health and social needs of the growing older-adult population.
A group of residents and aging-services representatives urged the Mebane City Council to support development of a senior center in the city, saying such a facility would reduce isolation, connect older adults to services and create volunteer and job opportunities.
Lisa Miller, who identified herself as the senior center director for the Shepherd Center of Kernersville, told the council that senior centers are "community focal points" that provide education, fitness, arts programs and social connection for older adults. "Senior centers are crucial for our communities," Miller said.
Mark Hensley, representing AARP North Carolina’s Triad, echoed Miller and listed programmatic benefits — social engagement, health and wellness programs, caregiver supports, educational opportunities and community involvement — and urged favorable consideration.
Local residents Johnny Butler, Judy Butler and others offered anecdotal and demographic evidence of need; Gail Miller (Alamance County Committee for Services to the Elderly) presented county projections showing significant growth in the 65-plus population over the next two decades and said local counts put about 5,000 older adults in Mebane and nearby communities.
Council did not take immediate action but the mayor suggested small administrative steps the city could take, such as a dedicated senior-information link on the city's website, as an early response to the group’s request.
What's next: advocates offered to act as resources for the city and asked staff and council to consider steps ranging from improved outreach to exploring a city-sponsored senior center.
