Federal, state and local officials, as well as a high-profile in-state basketball coach, gathered in Mullens this week to celebrate the grand opening of the Council on Aging’s new headquarters.
The headquarters facility replaces a decades-old structure in Itmann that the Council on Aging had utilized as its home base. The new facility offers additional space, updated social, counseling and service rooms and modern management and office space.
“We worked for a long time to open this facility. We wanted to have the right facility for tile seniors in this region,” said Council on Aging Executive Director Jennifer Gibson. “Our goal is create the right environment to help our seniors live healthy, independent lives. This new facility goes a long way toward helping us meet those goals.”
Marshall University Head Basketball Coach Dan D’Antoni was the guest speaker at the event. D’Antoni “came home” to serve as the event’s guest speaker. A Mullens native and 1970 graduate of Marshall University, D’Antoni has coached at high school, collegiate, AAU and NBA levels.
D’Antoni’s father, 102-year-old Lewis D’Antoni, lives in Mullens. Lewis D’Antoni is a former principal and coach.
The Council on Aging provides assisted public transportation, home delivered meals, personal care, nutrition education and counseling, group and individual support and medication management. In addition to the services offered by the Council on Aging, the facility provides a place for senior citizens to enjoy time together and partake in activities.
“Senior centers are vital to communities, especially in West Virginia, where we have such a large senior population,” said Gibson. “We’re pleased to now have a more accessible, first-rate place for gatherings, set-vices, and structured activities.”