Gardendale Seniors by Mack McConnell

The North Jefferson News



We started the season’s celebration a little early with our Valentine’s dance at the civic center this last Friday.

I’m sure that all who came had a good time and now are ready for our second party which is scheduled for tomorrow at the Gardendale Senior Center. We’ll have a new king and queen for this year and I’ll tell you about them next week.

At the Valentine’s Day party there will be something for everyone, including those who always come on Thursdays to play Bingo. It’ll be fun, so plan to come on in around 9 a.m. to join in.

Yesterday, Skip Drake brought his group to perform for us. He had to bring in a substitute who worked out very well. We always enjoy listening to this group.

We appreciate Danny (Digger Dan) Dennis for filling in for Craford Rook on Feb. 5. Craford’s wife was in the hospital and Craford himself was sick. We trust that the good Lord will be putting His healing touch on both Craford and his wife.

There’s still some room left for the Georgia/South Carolina trip coming up in May. Some seniors may hesitate to join a group tour for fear they may not be able to keep up, but since this trip is designed especially for those who are a little older, this would be a perfect time to go and explore this part of our country. Call Peggy at 631-7240 for all the details.

Be here at the center on Feb. 19 when Harold Freeman and the Brookridge Drifters come in to entertain us.

There are many people out there who are sitting home alone and need to be in the company of people their own age. Come to the center and enjoy good fellowship.

If you need a ride, it’s possible that the bus may be able to pick you up in the mornings and take you back home in the afternoons. Call our office here to inquire about it.

When the senior centers became a reality, the people in power realized that active senior citizens needed less medical care simply because they kept their minds and bodies more active. So come in and be a part of us here in Gardendale.



Senior of the week

Our senior of the week is a very interesting individual. He hasn’t been in this area for very long, but has already become a treasured member of the center. His name is Herbert Church.

Herb resides in Spring Gardens Court where he moved from Cahaba Heights. He was born in Natick, Mass. and has lived in Columbia, S.C., Framingham, Mass., Reno, Nev., Sedonda, Ariz., and Fernlby, Nev.

He related that he met his traveling companion, Dolly, on a trip to Hawaii and they enjoyed many trips together until her death this past October.

Herb loves traveling in his motor home and since he is a Civil War buff, has been able to learn a lot about this topic by visiting Civil War battle fields. He has traveled in all 50 states plus Canada and Mexico. He has also taken a number of cruises.

He has a son, Brian, who lives with his wife and their two daughters in Pepperfield, Mass. Herb is proud of Brian who has enjoyed some success in the computer business.

Herb has a varied work history. For 16 years he owned a retail fuel oil company in Natick. Then for 24 years, he owned a hobby shop in Reno.

He tells me he enjoys coming to the center to meet many new folks in his age group. It also gives him the chance to do volunteer work, helping others.

We are glad that Herb Church has chosen to be a member of our center and we look forward to having him as an active member for many years to come.

Until next week, God bless.