Knox County Commissioner Charles Busler says when he’s asked who runs the Community Center in Powell he says, “Why the community does.”
More correctly, Janice Patt White gets the credit. She spoke yesterday to the Powell Business & Professional Association about a new breakfast program for veterans.
“Mayor Burchett wanted to have a breakfast and he sponsored the first one,” she said. There’s no county money involved and White is looking for monthly sponsors. The cost is “between you and the caterer,” but it’s around $300, she said. It’s each third Saturday.
White was worried that no one would attend the inaugural June event, but more than 100 veterans and spouses showed up. “I’ve never seen so much shaking hands and laughing,” she said.
She’s also looking for volunteers to help serve and donations of gift cards as door prizes.
The center opened about a year and a half ago in the former Wheeler School of Karate dojo. White and crew did extensive renovation and Knox County expanded the parking lot. Through efforts of Busler, the county bought the land and building from the Wheeler family and leases it back to the Heiskell Community Organization for a nominal fee.
Volunteers keep the center open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays to serve seniors from across Knox County.
“Come to fellowship and eat lunch,” White said. “It’s known that when a person dies, the remaining spouse often fails to eat correctly, socialize or even take their medications.” The Senior Center gives those folks a place to hang out. It’s a great community amenity in Powell.