Community Action Celebrates 60 Years and Honors Toby VanMeter
Official ribbon cutting. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
Lynn Bledsoe
Gimlet Editor
February 28, 2025- Toby VanMeter was honored today for her years of service to Edmonson County residents. If you knew Toby, you knew she was a force to be reckoned with. When she wanted to get something done, it always got done. Many residents have passed through the door to her office, maybe for help or maybe for advice but one thing was for sure Toby did not turn away anyone.
Judge Executive Scott Lindsey thanked all the Community Action employees for all their hard work and read the proclamation that will become official at the next Fiscal Court meeting. Judge Lindsey announced the office dedication for Toby VanMeter’s 40 years of service.
Judge Executive Scott Lindsey displays plaque honoring Toby VanMeter. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
“May all who walk through these doors remember the standard she set, one of selflessness, determination, and an unshakeable belief that everyone deserves a fair chance.” Edmonson County Judge Executive Scott Lindsey
Leslie Talley, Director of Operations, spoke about how Community Action has helped people for 60 years.
Leslie Talley, Director of Operations. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
Carla Brown, Community Action Executive Director, thanked Judge Lindsey and former Mayor Meredith, along with Edmonson County Schools and community partners. Brown announced that Edmonson County HeadStart has a 5-star rating and that Rena Beth Chaffins, and her staff are dedicated to providing the best services to children. Community Services program leader Misty Meredith has helped 1200 residents with assistance and scholarships. Edmonson County’s RSVP program has 69 volunteers and over 10,000 hours of volunteer community service. Brown thanked Rebecca Maxwell for being the Ky-nector in Edmonson County and assisting residents with affordable health care. Brown spoke about Marlene Webb, of the Edmonson County Senior Center and a 20-year employee of Community Action. The Senior Center has delivered over 6,582 meals in total.
The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce held the ribbon cutting in the main room of the community building because the old office of Toby VanMeter would not hold all who came to honor her and celebrate Community Action.
Carla Brown, Community Action Executive Director. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
Edmonson News got the chance to speak with Carla Brown about the recent upheaval for the Edmonson County Senior Center. Brown stated that the budget for the Senior Center was $85,000 a year and this must pay for salaries, utilities, supplies and meals. Brown explained the funding comes from the Barren River Area District to Community Action. There are donations that Community Action receives but not enough to sustain a building’s operations. The Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where the Senior Center is currently housed has a 6 month lease and BRADD will decide to extend the contract in six months or not..
Some local areas have had new buildings built for Senior Centers. Brown explained that Community Action has no control over that. Funding comes from the state to BRADD and then to them. If the funding was available Community Action would have applied to secure a permanent building for Edmonson Senior Center.
