Barbara Patton: Darden house full history

Dr. J. W. Darden’s legacy is living on through the restoration of the home where he and his wife lived and where he practiced medicine. The restoration of this house on Auburn Street in Opelika was relentlessly pursued by Dr. Yvonne Brown-Phillips, as she led the efforts and formed many partnerships to make this house come back to life. It was not an easy task but through her, their legacy was preserved.

Now, the house is being used partly as a Wellness Center for the community and the Darden Wellness Committee sponsors monthly educational programs at the facility. This Committee collaborates with other individuals and organizations to host these monthly events and invites citizens to participate and take advantage of what is offered.

The first program for this year was held in March. Thirteen clients visited and heard a brief educational presentation entitled “Stroke Brain Attack.” They also had their blood pressure checked, received educational literature, enjoyed nutritional snacks donated by Wright’s Market and registered for a door prize (a digital blood pressure cuff) which was donated by Bubba’s Medicine Shop.

In April, Lee Russell Council of Governments’ Daphne Farley was on hand to discuss “Medicare Matters” and Roenia Janigan assisted with “Free Prescription Help.”

Then in May, along with the blood screenings, Ms. Janigan returned to discuss the same topic as above and a power point on “Healthy Choices” was also presented.

June was skin cancer awareness with Dr. John Stewart volunteering his services. Dr. Stewart discovered three skin cancers and sent these three people to be treated. Other future programs will feature ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, dental health, diabetes, and “Maintain Your Brain.” All of these events are collaborative efforts of the Wellness Committee, the AU School of Nursing and the EAMC Parish Nurse Program. Peggy Hanson is the leader of the committee and as you can see, she is doing an outstanding job.

Another activity is an upcoming fund-raiser, the J.W. Darden Heritage Festival, under the direction of Nancy Haynes. The festival will be this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be entertainment, children’s activities, prizes and free ice cream for the children. Sausage, hot dog and fish plates are being sold.

Also, the Life South Blood Mobile will be on site. Part of the proceeds raised from this event will go towards the Wellness Center Programs and part will go towards the upkeep of the J.W. Darden House.

At other times, the J.W. Darden House is open for tours by appointment and the facility may be rented for functions under the guidelines established by the Board of Directors. If you are interested in having a function, please contact Harrison Dixon, 937-623-4802, email HPDDIX@AOL.COM or write Box 1581, Opelika 36801.

Barbara Patton is executive director of Envision Opelika and writes a column for the Opelika-Auburn News.