Senior center history

Frederick O. Baggett was founder of the Mid-Valley Senior Center. For several years he had a dream of having a place in the area where seniors and their friends could gather to socialize. He contacted any folks who also thought it was a great idea. Around 1980 a small group started having potluck lunches once a week at the Homesteaders Community Center. Participation increased and so did the enthusiasm for having a Senior Center.

In order for the Homesteaders building to be used as a Senior Center, it had to be upgraded. Here is where volunteers came into the picture. We contacted various businesses in the Wasilla and Big Lake areas. They donated most of the materials needed. Cash donations from Wasilla banks totaled more than $2,000.

Volunteers did all the chores for several years, like setting up tables, cleaning, gardening and working as cashiers and servers — anywhere there was a need.

Eventually several grants were received and the final result is the beautiful building which they moved into in 1990. Mid-Valley Senior Center was incorporated in 1984.

The property was owned by the city of Houston. In March of 1991 the city of Houston dedicated the building as the Frederick O. Baggett Building.

Mid-Valley Senior Center celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. We hope to continue for another 30 years but the hard fact is that we are struggling. The atmosphere of the center is energized, the staff is a strong team, the food is great and the activities are uplifting. We are just not getting enough of the support we require to provide all that is needed in this community of seniors. We have a dedicated handful of volunteers that could use more hands to help with fundraising. We could also use more members willing to serve on the Board. Funding is a major issue as federal, state and borough funding is stagnant even though the need for services increases and contributions for meals and monetary donations are also lacking. Please make yourself aware of the important role that Mid-Valley Senior Center plays in helping seniors in the Mat-Su Valley. This important work is supported largely by the support of generous donors. Without your continued support, these needs will likely go unmet.

Helen Baggett is the wife of Frederick O. Baggett, founder of the Mid-Valley Senior Center.