Hoover has a heart for senior citizens - a $2 million heart. That’s how much is being spent to renovate the old Public Works Department building on Municipal Drive to house a senior citizens’ activity center.

Construction began on April 12, 2006, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by city, state and county officials as well as many senior citizens of the community and members of the Hoover New Horizons seniors group. Plans call for the 7,400 square foot center to house a banquet room, a catering kitchen, card and game rooms, a computer room and eventually, a therapeutic pool.

Funds to furnish and equip the center are being raised by Hoover seniors in conjunction with the Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation. Brochures were mailed out to solicit funds, and contributions ranging from cash to stock certificates have been collected in pink porcelain piggy banks specially commissioned for the cause.
The New Horizons group early on announced a $40,000 challenge grant to match gifts from individuals and neighborhood groups on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Jefferson County Commissioner Gary White donated $10,000 from his discretionary fund, and the Brookwood Medical Center Foundation kicked in $5,000. The funds raised will provide sofas, chairs, tables, televisions and computers.

The center is a dream come true for Hoover seniors, who have long needed a place to call their own. The flat parking area surrounding the former Public Works building and the room for growth make the site ideal. The renovations are scheduled for completion in mid-2007.

For information on making a tax-deductible contribution to the senior center, contact
Dee Tropeano Nance at 444-7765.

Checks may be sent directly to the Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation, 600 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216. Please write “For Senior Activity Center” in the memo portion of your check, and include your name, address and telephone number. If your gift is in memory or in honor of someone, please include that information with your gift.