The Jake Gaither Community Center reopens

Citizens of the Jake Gaither Neighborhood Association and surrounding neighborhoods celebrated the reopening of their community center on June 10. The Jake Gaither Community Center had been closed for over a year for renovations and additions.

The program, which began with the unveiling of a portrait of Jake Gaither that was painted by Curtis Corbin and ended with a ribbon cutting at the entrance of the building, was hosted by Gregory Grady. Grady is a former supervisor of the center who now supervises the Lawrence- Gregory Community Center. Dee Crumpler, director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs introduced Grady and recognized public officials and special guests.

Members of Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 ushered in the program with “Ole FAMU Spirit,” and the FAMU DRS ROTC presented colors. When City Manager Anita Favors Thompson and Mayor John Marks gave their remarks, each lauded the persistence of members of the Jake Gaither Mature Exercise Class in keeping the renovation on target. The project was postponed several times before it was finally started.

Members of the neighborhood spoke of the importance of the center. These included Anita Davis, President of Jake Gaither Neighborhood Association; Maggie Lewis Butler, Vice President; Freddie Groomes-Mclendon, board member and Irene Perry, Vice President of the Jake Gaither Women’s Golf Association. Niykeal Westberry, a member of the Jake Gaither Teen Council, energized the audience with her spirited solo.

Neighborhood ministers, the Rev. Dr. Robert M. Butler Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Richard Mashburn, also participated in the program. Cassandra Leland, center supervisor, acknowledged the donation of $10,000 by Ernie Sims Jr., and his wife Alice. After introducing them, Sims and his wife introduced their daughter-in-law, Brooke, who presented a Philadelphia Eagle jersey of Ernie III to the center.

Enhancements to the 12,000 square foot center include the addition of a bleacher seating area in the gym, expanded classroom/ meeting room space, and a weight room.