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Front Page
Ribbon cutting officially opens Bonham Senior Citizens Center
By Allen Rich
Jan 20, 2012
Bonham -- Only a few months after opening the doors to a new Bonham City Hall, Thursday marked another historical accomplishment for the City of Bonham as local senior citizens gathered with representatives of Texoma Council of Governments and Meals on Wheels of Texoma to celebrate the grand opening of Bonham Senior Citizens Center at its new location on East 6th Street in Bonham.
While completion of the project took longer than anticipated, once the crowd stepped inside the spacious, modern facility and looked around, everyone agreed it was worth the wait.
Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd recognized former Meals on Wheels of Texoma Executive Director Kathy Scott, along with Bonham City Manager Corby Alexander, as "the driving force that made this happen."
"I appreciate everyone that worked so hard," Ms. Scott stated. "The city has done a great job."
Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd and former Meals on Wheels of Texoma Executive Director Kathy Scott
Mayor Floyd also made special mention of the one person who realized the pressing need for a new Senior Citizens Center and set the wheels in motion, Jay Tarwater.
"Senior citizens of Fannin County have no better advocate than Jay Tarwater," remarked Mayor Floyd.
"I think you have done a magnificent job," Mr. Tarwater replied. "Thank you very much."
Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter also addressed the standing-room-only crowd.
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Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter
"As county judge, you serve on a lot of boards," Judge Carter said. "It is an honor to serve on the board of Meals on Wheels of Texoma.
Mayor Floyd also serves on the board. Additional MOWOT board members attending the grand opening included Tom Bean Mayor Sherry Howard and City of Sherman representative Phyllis Hicks.
Mae Knight was presented with a plaque in appreciation for the countless hours she has dedicated to local senior citizens in the 25 years Ms. Knight has served as manager of the Bonham SNAP Center.
New furnishings and furniture, along with a variety of entertainment for the new Bonham Senior Citizens Center were all purchased as a result of fundraisers initiated by Fannin County Aging Network Group.
"If you see us out selling barbecue sandwiches, know it is for a good cause," said Kim Sledd, spokeswoman for Fannin County Aging Network Group.
Other dignitaries attending the grand opening included Texoma Council of Government Executive Director Dr. Susan Thomas, Meals on Wheels of Texoma Executive Director Greg Pittman and TCOG Client Services Director Allison Minton.
The crowd then exited the building for a special occasion to local senior citizens -- a ribbon cutting, courtesy of the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce, officially opening the Bonham Senior Citizens Center.
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Incoming Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce President John Farris and Mae Knight, manager of Bonham Senior Citizens Center, cut the ribbon officially opening the new facility.
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| Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd |
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| (L-R) Bonham City Manager Corby Alexander, TCOG Executive Director Dr. Susan Thomas and Allison Minton |
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| Mae Knight and Bonham City Council member Wayne Moore |
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| (L-R) Jay Tarwater and Bonham City Council member John Burnett |
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| Kim Sledd |
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| City employee Kelly Baker serves punch to guests. |
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| Tom Bean Mayor Sherry Howard (right) visits with a friend and enjoys refreshments. |
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