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VALLEY — Ray Edwards has been reappointed as a board member to the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS). He has served on that board since first being appointed by Governor Bob Riley in 2003. He has been on the board through two Riley administrators, the governorship of Robert Bentley and now under Governor Ivey.

“Governor Ivey sent me a really nice letter telling me she wanted me to remain on the board through the remainder of her term,” Edwards told The Valley Times-News. “I appreciate that so much. There’s nothing I want to do any more than representing our seniors and helping see that they are treated right.”

Edwards has been the ADSS board chairman for more than 12 years now.

Other members of the ADSS advisory board include Vice Chairman Dr. Horace Patterson of Talladega, Ann Anderson of Madison, Elizabeth Anderson of Sheffield, Billy Bolton of Mobile, Jackie Goggins of Birmingham, Rondel Rhode of Grove Hill and Dr. Steve Donald of Chatom.

Jean W. Brown is the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services. An attorney by training, Brown previously served on the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

The ADSS is perhaps best known for its elderly nutrition program, which provides seniors with nutritious meals and the opportunity to be active while building new friendships. A variety of services are provided at local senior centers in a social meal setting at many locations in the state. Locally, such centers are located in Valley, Lanett, LaFayette and Beulah.

These centers offer meal delivery to seniors in their area who qualify. There is no charge for this. The individual must be at least 60 years of age or have some kind of disability to be eligible.

“It has meant of lot to me to be able to serve as a board member of the Alabama Department of Senior Services,” Edwards said. “It gives me a chance to be an advocate for our seniors.”