Nearly 100 of Jefferson’s senior citizens gathered to celebrate past township mayor Fran Slayton and participate as the building they use as a meeting place was rededicated in her honor. Slayton was mayor of Jefferson Township when the Jefferson Township Senior Center came into being.

“I’m very honored that people had faith in me to get this building up and running,” Slayton said.

The building housed one of the township’s original schoolhouses, and was turned into the senior center in the 1980s.

“Jim Leach had a lot of vision for this building,” said township Mayor Russell Felter. “He did a lot of the legwork and got many of the state and federal grants. I’m very proud of how it’s all turned out.”

Today, the building has an emergency generator and is connected to city water and sewer service. It was recently remodeled to update the handicap ramps, doors, HAVC system and floor.

“This building is self-sustaining,” said township administrator James Leach. “In the event of an emergency, we can bring people in here and feed them, keep them cool or warm, whatever they need.

“Jefferson provides among the best senior services in the county,” Leach added. “We have the best dial-a-ride, best nutrition services and definitely the best senior clubs.”