On Water Avenue there stands a large house that was once empty and likely destined to become another eyesore for East Selma. After several months of hard work and promotion, this old house was transformed into something of value to the residents who live around it.

Through a joint effort by the city’s Operation Weed and Seed and the Jonathan Daniels Community Development Corporation, the house at 3108 Water Avenue has become a place where seniors can go for various programs and receive computer training.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday brought the mayor, law enforcement officers, civil and community leaders, and local citizens to witness what they all believed to be a exciting day for East Selma.

City Council member James Durry said the senior citizens center will be open five days a week, from early morning until around 3 or 4 p.m.

Durry said the center started as an idea to create a safe place that seniors could enjoy.

Joyce Kendrick, executive director of the Jonathan Daniels CDC, said the corporation has partnered with Operation Weed and Seed on several different projects before.

Kendrick said the spacious house was purchased in October and Operation Weed and Seed began renovations soon after.

Durry said he was &uot;elated&uot; about the establishment of the center.

Mayor James Perkins, Jr. said the center was sign of progress and will serve as a asset to the people in the community.

In the future, Durry said he hopes to have a police substation set up inside the center. Plans are in the works to have an officer stationed at the house during various times of the day.

Kendrick and other organizations are still planning the different types of programs that will be offered at the center. One program currently in the works, &uot;Brown Bag&uot; distribution, will provide meals to area seniors.

For more information about the senior center, contact Operation Weed and Seed at 874-2111