There was a D.J., karaoke, refreshments and a room full of enthusiastic seniors as the Board of Citrus County Commissioners cut the ribbon for the Hernando Area Senior Program on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at the Historic Hernando School in Hernando.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Hernando Area Senior Program a Success

Dignitaries in attendance along with Board of County Commissioners Chairman Brian Coleman and Commissioner Jeff Kinnard were Victoria White, Legislative Aide to U.S. Congressman Daniel Webster, and Dorothy Dilworth, Legislative Aide to Florida House Representative, Ralph Massullo. Executive Director Kristen Griffiths and Director of Program Operations Janet Kreischer from Mid Florida Area Agency on Aging “Elder Options” traveled from Gainesville for the event. Both Citrus County Historical Society President Robert Croft and board member representing Hernando, Candice McPherson attended along with county business and nonprofit partners.

The Senior Program, run by Laura Touchton, includes serving up to sixty nutritious hot meals daily, along with activities, nutrition education, crafts, and socialization. GA Food Service provides the meals for the program and graciously provided the treats for the celebratory event.

Assistant County Administrator, Steve Lachnicht, Community Services Director, Mariselle Rodriguez and Support Services Director, Joanne Granger worked diligently with Historic Resources Manager, Kathy Turner and the Historical Society on a plan for utilizing the Historic Hernando School for a senior program.  Moving forward the building will serve a dual purpose as a “Historical Museum” and “Senior Center Program”, which will expand opportunities for potential grant funding in the future and create a Hub of activity in the Hernando community.

The Historic Hernando School is a designated historic building, which was added to the U. S. Register of Historic Places on May 4, 2000. The Hernando Heritage Council’s mission is to restore and renovate the Historic Hernando School as a community/cultural arts center, nonprofit resource center, library, museum, public auditorium and meeting area for the betterment of the citizens of the town of Hernando, and all of Citrus County. The organization has taken the lead over the past few years to secure funding through donations and grants for the restoration of the building.