Smyrna proclaims May 1 Senior Citizens Day as senior center marks 55th anniversary

Mayor Mary Esther Reed read a proclamation declaring May 1, 2026, as the 9th annual Senior Citizens Day in Smyrna and recognized the Senior Activity Center’s 55th anniversary. "Now therefore, I'm Mary Esther Reed, mayor of the town of Smyrna, do hereby proclaim May 1st, 2026 as the 9th annual senior citizens day in Smyrna, Tennessee," Reed said during the council meeting.

The proclamation noted the Senior Activity Center, founded in 1971 by Paty Brown, ended 2025 with more than 860 members and has raised about $3.22 million for a capital campaign to build a new facility on nearly six acres leased from the town. Miss Fran, speaking for the center, said membership has continued to climb and described programming and upcoming events: "We have a whole lot going on at the center right now," she told the council, listing line-dance classes, chair cardio and a May 1 open house and outdoor expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fran said the center has about 875 members, is running a multi-day yard sale as a fundraiser, and expects to begin land clearing in the spring ahead of a planning commission presentation. She encouraged residents interested in membership or the capital campaign to visit the center at 100 Rake Street or the center’s website.

The proclamation and remarks were part of the meeting’s special awards and recognition segment; councilmembers posed for photographs with center representatives. The council did not take any formal action tied to funding at the meeting; the capital campaign was described as ongoing and requiring future planning and permitting steps.