The public is invited to a “Land Loan Payoff Ceremony” at the site for the new Eastern Taney County Senior Friendship Center.

According to a press release, this will take place on Sept. 29 at 4:30 p.m. The new Senior Friendship Center site is located on East Hwy 76 next to the Farmers’ Market in Forsyth. “Eastern Taney County Senior Friendship Center serves seniors from nine area communities, including Walnut Shade, Rockaway Beach, Merriam Woods, Forsyth, Kissee Mills, Taneyville, Bradleyville, Kirbyville and Cedar Creek.”

In 2016, the Senior Center Board was running out of room to serve our seniors.  In 2017, the Board purchased 8 1/2 acres located on East Highway 76 for $225,000.  Numerous fundraisers and donations made it possible to put a $25,000 down payment on the property. The remaining $200,000 was loaned to the Board by the Herschend Family Foundation.  Revenue from the Senior Thrift Store and community donations was used to pay the loan down to $179,501.00 by 2019.

In October 2019 the Board applied to a local bank to refinance the remainder of the $179,501.00. “In May of 2020 the Senior Furniture Store opened for business. Many people in the surrounding area made the furniture store a complete success by donating beautiful furniture and home décor. All these funds combined made it possible to pay off the $179,501.00 land loan in July of 2021. In 20 months, less than 2 years, the Seniors of the Eastern Taney County Senior Association are debt free!”

At this time the Senior Center is focused on the Building Fund for a $1.3 million facility. The Board and community continues to host fundraisers for a new building. “Tickets for our $500-A-Month Raffle are available at the Thrift Store and Senior Center. We will only sell 1000 tickets and net $14,000 for the Building Fund.” Tickets are $20.00 each and will be good for the entire year of 2022.

The Senior Thrift Store (behind Subway and Dollar General) is in the White River Plaza Shopping Center on Highway 160 in Forsyth.  The store’s number is 417-546-5040. Loretta Anna, can be contacted at 417-699-8148 for additional information.