Calhoun County Committee on Aging (CCCOA) was incorporated on Mar. 23, 1973, as a private non-profit corporation.

The first senior center was located in a one-room school located behind Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on Daniels Run Road.

Since those humble beginnings, the senior facilities have evolved into two centers, one at 105 Market St., Grantsville, and the other on the former Minnora School property.

In 1965, landmark legislation was passed at the federal level to fund senior services across the nation. Today, every county in West Virginia has its own center.

Funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal, state and local agencies. The West Virginia Lottery also provides funding, and Gov. Joe Manchin and the Legislature provided for licensing fees for table games at each of the state’s racetracks, which go to senior services funding.

In June, 2000, the CCCOA board of directors committed to opening the first satellite center in the southern part of the county. It felt this was necessary because of the long distance to travel to the Grantsville site.

In February, 2001, a classroom and adjacent room for exercise equipment was rented for $400 per month. The initial goal was to build a facility.

In order for the expensive project to happen, State senators and House of Delegates member Bill Stemple gave assistance in securing funding, which came from Budget Digest money, now called Community Partner-ship.

For several years, 10 to 20 thousand dollars was received toward the project. Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito provided federal funding of $26,000.

The money was left to accumulate until sufficient funds were available to purchase property and a building.

In the spring of 2006, the evolution continued, as a new building was dedicated to the service of seniors in southern Calhoun County.

The building was constructed by students at Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center, transported to the site, and installed on a foundation. A covered porch was added after the building was set to provide a shady place for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors, even during a rain.

The center has ample parking and a ramp leading to the entry. The new building is more spacious than the former classroom, beautifully decorated, and provides a welcoming, homelike atmosphere.

Bernice Arnold dancing with Eucle Knotts

Joanne Carol Swearingen and Jim Mullenax.

Local musician Larry Cottrell entertains the crowd. 

Karen Moore (left) and Jessie Hickman.

Left to right, Roscoe McCune, Orva Parsons and Paris Parsons.

Left to right, Sutchai Cottrell, Roscoe McCune and Jim Mullenax enjoy lunch.

Playing rummy are Ford Wilson and Ruby Parker.

The Minnora site is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, those who choose are transported to Grantsville to do banking, grocery shopping, visit doctors, choir singing, or whatever they like in town.

Calhoun is recognized as having some of the nicest senior facilities in the state. Everyone is invited to stop in and see the great services that are offered at each of the centers.

(Information supplied by CCCOA director Mike Ritchie.)