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Artist rendering of the new Chickasaw Nation Senior Citizens Center in Connerville, Okla.

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Front row, from left, tribal employee Stacy Wesberry, Chickasaw elder Lillie Wisdom, tribal legislator Dean McManus, tribal judge Cheri Bellefeuille-Gordon, tribal legislator Nancy Elliott, Chickasaw elder Catherine Pendergraft, tribal legislators Mary Jo Green, Steve Woods, Chickasaw elder Dawatha Easterling, Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel, Chickasaw elder Jimmy Reed, Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw elder Juanita Moody, tribal legislator Beth Alexander, Chickasaw elder Phyllis Lattie, tribal legislator Katie Case, Chickasaw elder Emma McLoud, tribal legislator Toby Perkins, tribal citizen Doris Davis, tribal Division on Aging administrator Karen Cook, tribal employee Linda Gross and Choctaw elder Trecia Alford. Photo by Mike McKee.

CONNERVILLE, Okla. - Chickasaw Nation officials and guests broke ground Friday, May 27, 2011 for a new Chickasaw Nation Senior Citizens Center in Connerville.

The current center, a former grocery store, was renovated to serve the area elders, but the needs of the site have outgrown the facility.

"Tribal elders are the heart of the Chickasaw Nation," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "This new senior citizens center is one way to honor our elders and show our dedication to these men and women who symbolize the spirit of our people."

The new center will be approximately 6,000 square feet and will provide an environment for tribal elders to come together and enjoy nutritious meals, exercise and the company of friends and family.

Planned amenities include a large kitchen, dining room, a computer room, a social porch and an arts and crafts room.

The center also has plenty of room for activities such as Wii bowling that will help the seniors stay physically fit.

The Chickasaw Nation currently has 11 senior centers located in Achille, Ada, Ardmore, Connerville, Duncan, Kullihoma, Madill, Pauls Valley, Purcell, Sulphur and Tishomingo.

March 2012 is the estimated completed date for the new Connerville facility.

For more information on the meetings or the future of the Connerville senior site, contact the Chickasaw Nation Division on Aging office at (580) 795-9790.