The Ashdown Senior Center was organized in 1969 , by the Southwest Arkansas Development Council, Inc.

The Center was opened in a very old rundown residence on the corner of Highway 32 West and 521 South 5th street

Many seniors came to enjoy the camaraderie, dominos, card games and good food served. After a short while, it became quite apparent the new quarters were needed.

A campaign was started with fundraisers, grants, donations and a whole lot of love from the community and the dream of many became a reality.

The Senior Center was moved to its new location, 1321 Gordon Drive, Ashdown, Arkansas, in 1994.

Gayle King has served as County Director of Southwest Arkansas Development Council since 1980, maintaining her office in the Ashdown Senior Center.

Sandra Copeland is the coordinator for the Ashdown Center. There are several ladies who work for the Center and LOTS of Volunteers, who give so freely of their time.

Several programs are ongoing each week: Monday and Wednesday mornings, Bingo is played to the delight of the Seniors (prizes are given to the winner of each game played); on Tuesday morning, Ms Fay McJunkins accompanies on the piano, while Homer Williamson and some of his band strum guitars, play harmonicas, etc.; Thursday are usually reserved for any special programs or for just good fellowship, and on Friday, Homer Williamson and his band entertain for the enjoyment of everyone present.

At some point during each year, the ladies who help at the Center gather garage sale items from generous persons in the community and have a great indoor, perfect for rainy weather, garage sale. There are always lots of nice items on sale and great bargains!

Once a month, the nurses come out and take blood pressures. The nurses have given each participating Senior a permanent record card and ask that the Seniors bring these cards with them on the days when the nurses visit.

During February, the Seniors nominate a lady and a gent for the Valentine Sweetheart King and Queen. The Royal Couple is presented with a crown and a tiara, banner sashes and flowers. This has become a tradition at the Center and it is a proud moment when the names are called.

During the week of Easter, an Easter Bonnet parade is held. This event is judged by three City/County’s prominent personalities and prizes are awarded.

Every Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, special parties are held to be enjoyed by all present.

Mrs. Margaret Daniel is one of the persons who has attended the Center since she retired from teaching, Mrs. Daniel presented to the Center a beautiful wall clock in memory of her husband, Noble.

Couch Helen Parker is another retired teacher and a staunch supporter of the Ashdown Senior Center.

Mrs. Nora Price planted the gorgeous azaleas in the front of the Center.

The above mentioned ladies are prominent for three different reasons: Margaret Daniel has a school named for her, the Margaret Daniel Primary School: Helen Parker was an outstanding girls` coach, and has been placed in the Arkansas Hall of Fame; and Mrs. Price is currently the oldest living Ashdown Senior Center attendee and seldom misses a day coming to the Center for lunch.

There are many more attendees who also should have recognition; however, our space is limited and the Center is most grateful for each of its attendees!

Hot lunches are prepared and delivered to approximately 40 people in our community.

Another important feature of our Center is giving back to the community through being able to serve hot lunches to persons performing community service time for misdemeanor offenses.

The Senior Center is a very good way for seniors to be able to come together for good food and good fellowship. Some persons have misconception about our Center. They feel that one must be near poverty to use this service. In fact the opposite is true - if we don’t use it, we lose it! Those who can afford it, pay the full recommended donation (currently $1.50) and other less fortunate, can pay nothing or any amount they are able to give...