Third & Center updates commissioners on senior‑center programming, festival and meal licensing plans

Amanda Cleary, program director for the nonprofit Third & Center, briefed the Lawrence County commissioners on the group’s senior‑center operations, community events and steps to resume congregate meals.

Cleary said Third & Center is operating summer programming and has moved regular senior activities for June, July and August to the Briggs County/Lawrence County public library on Fridays. She said the organization has submitted paperwork to obtain kitchen licensing so it can use funding secured from the Area Agency on Aging to provide free meal service when full programming resumes in September. “We are optimistic that once we return to full programming in September, that will include free meal service for our seniors and also a job created through that program,” Cleary said.

Cleary also invited residents and commissioners to the nonprofit’s fourth annual Summer Solstice Music and Arts Festival on June 21 at the Ironton Riverfront, 111 S. First St. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with youth fishing instruction, continues with live music, artisan vendors, a juried art show and a talent show with youth and adult categories. Cleary said children’s activities are free and full‑day adult tickets are $5; registration information is available at thirdandcenter.com.

Commissioners accepted the update; Cleary provided informational materials and tickets to commissioners at the meeting. No formal county funding action was recorded.