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In a collaborative effort between the city of LaFayette, the fire department, the police department and the street department, LaFayette’s senior center got a fresh coat of paint to spruce up the building. On Saturday, a crew donated their afternoon to painting the building a fresh gray color. “I just thought it was a really nice thing for the community,” said Alfredia Silmon, director of the LaFayette Senior Center. 

The center has been housed in the same building for approximately 50 years, according to Silmon, and has not been touched in decades. Recently, LaFayette Fire Chief Jim Doody offered to organize the manpower if the city would pay for the paint. 

Police Chief Christopher Trice and Street and Sanitation Superintendent George Green both brought their crews out to help with the painting as well. Even City Council member Toney Thomas rolled up his sleeves and donned a paint roller. 

“We kind of work hand in hand,” Trice said of the relationship between the city’s departments. 

The new police chief said he hopes to continue partnering with the fire department and other city officials to help the community. The LPD will be assisting in Trunk or Treat, a Halloween celebration in the town’s square. But, Trice does not want to stop there. 

“A lot of things we’re gonna do this year, we’re gonna go on a trial basis, and then what we’ll see what actually works with the community,” he said. “We’ll see what works with our department and our city because we do want to be involved with the community.”

“Everybody was excited. The seniors were excited. We are glad to uplift the building to come into it, because all the other centers we’ve gone to — some of them are practically new,” Silmon said. “And so we really need a new building, but this did do a lot to help them enjoy coming better.”

Silmon said the senior center provides a hub for socialization and care for approximately 50 seniors in the city. The center offers free meals to all members, delivering to the many who are homebound. But more importantly, the center is a place of communion and fellowship for many.

“A lot of them live alone and this is their outlet,” Silmon said. 

Silmon praised the city clerk, Louis Davidson, Mayor Kenneth Vines and the rest of the city employees for their continued help with the center. 

“We just enjoy seeing others come out and help us beautify our building,” Silmon said. “… We hope this is the beginning of something new.”