Usher with Kyle Lusk and Kyle's teacher, Mary Beth Brooke
Usher Raymond, IV returned to Orange Grove Center on Monday, for a ribbon cutting and dedication of the Nancy Ann Lackey Memorial Track, located in the heart of Glenwood.
Mr. Raymond spent formative years in a house not far from Orange Grove Center learning from and loving a remarkable woman he affectionately called “Nanny.” Nancy Lackey proved an important guiding hand in the lives of many, and when she died unexpectedly in February 2014, Mr. Raymond, for one, wanted to honor her life in a very positive, tangible way.
He said, “Nanny and Pop (James E. Lackey her husband) used to walk on the track at Orange Grove for exercise. And they were always so impressed by what Orange Grove did and how they cared for people. So improving the track for accessibility for Orange Grove and the neighborhood was a perfect way to pay tribute to her.”
The track ribbon cutting and dedication was attended by Orange Grove supporters, staff, and individuals served. Special guests will include members of the Lackey family, and Pastor Billy Church, the Lackeys' pastor from St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church.
The Nancy Ann Lackey Memorial Track has served for years as a walking track for individuals served by Orange Grove, Orange Grove staff, and members of the Glenwood community, as well as a training site for Special Olympics athletes competing in track and field events. The gift from Mr. Raymond provided needed funds to widen and resurface the track as well as stripe lanes wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
“We are honored that Mr. Raymond believes that the way Orange Grove serves this community is a fitting testament to the life of Mrs. Lackey, who also lived a life of service,” Kyle Hauth, executive director of Orange Grove, said. “Orange Grove’s history is all about engaging our whole community to support those we serve. This track is a way to further our mission to recognize, support and celebrate the qualities of the individual."
Usher Raymond stopped by Orange Grove Center Monday for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the track in honor of his grandmother Nancy Lackey