Tacachale Celebrates 100 Years of Service
Tacachale, Florida’s oldest community for persons with developmental disabilities, held its centennial celebration on August 17 in Gainesville. The event honored staff and residents, both past and present, for their contribution to making Tacachale a special place.
The celebration kicked off with a warm welcome from Deputy Center Administrator Julie Waldman, who reflected on what Tacachale has meant to her and so many over the years. Chaplain Harald Young then delivered a powerful invocation, giving thanks for 100 years of serving, and praying for another successful 100 years to come.
Several local dignitaries attended the ceremony and were recognized for taking time to attend the celebration, including State Senator Keith Perry, State Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson, City Commissioner Harvey Ward, and County Commissioners Mary Helen Wheeler, Anna Prisia, and Ken Cornell for taking time to attend the celebration.
Center Administrator Michael Mayfield and his gold suede shoes thanked former and present staff for their dedication to the center, while acknowledging the lessons learned from the residents along the way. Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Barbara Palmer sent a heartfelt thank you via video message to all Tacachale staff for their outstanding service and to residents in celebration of their home. Former Superintendent Ora White reflected on the exciting times she had during her 30-plus years at the center.
The ceremony recognized and celebrated Tacachale staff members, with years of service ranging from only months with the facility to 40-plus years. Longtime employee Herbert Robinson retired this year after 61 years of dedicated and outstanding service to the residents of Tacachale. Robinson received special recognition and was gifted a plaque to close out the centennial celebration.
After the celebration, guests, staff, residents, and friends gathered outside for refreshments, photographs, and fellowship.
To watch a highlight video of the celebration, click here.
To watch the entire centennial ceremony, click here.
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