Gardendale Seniors By Mack McConnell

The North Jefferson News



We lost one of our own on Feb. 15 when Lemuel “Lem” Brock passed away suddenly. Our condolences go out to his family and to his companion, Mary “Boots” Roberts.

Those who are Thursday night regulars will remember Lem as an avid fiddle player. Everyone always looked forward to his rendition of “The Tennessee Waltz.” Lem will be missed by all who knew him.

Were you here last night for the first night of “The Country Pickers”? Tuesdays at the center will be chocked full of music as we’ll continue with our four bands alternating in the mornings and then this new program in the evenings. The Tuesday evening entertainment of country music for seniors aged 55 and over will differ from the other musical programs we have at the center.

At the present time, Jerry Bosworth will be heading up a group consisting of Jerry Bradley, Skip Drake, Lynn and Charles Kimbrough, Glen Marsh and Joe Isom. Sometimes guests may be invited to perform.

You’ll have to come and see for yourself that you’ve never had so much fun on a Tuesday evening. The hours are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there is no admission charge. We’re looking forward to having a large group every Tuesday.

Which kind of senior are you? The optimist sees the donut. The pessimist sees the hole. The realist sees the calories.

Don’t tell your friends about your indigestion. “How are you?” is a greeting, not a question.

The past cannot be changed; the future is still in your power.

Be part of the large crowd that’ll be here on the morning of Tuesday, March 4, to hear the Bluegrass sounds of Craford Rook and his group.

Chuck Clendening and Al Riethmaier are in the spotlight every Monday and Thursday mornings as they do the Bingo calling. We have some people who just can’t wait for those days to roll around. I fully realize that it’s not about the prize they may win as much as the thrill of getting to call out “Bingo!” They will have bragging rights for the day of having been one to have “Bingo-ed.” That’s what the center is all about — putting some joy in a senior’s heart. There will be a special Bingo on St. Paddy’s Day, March 17.

Don’t forget the pot luck supper tomorrow at 5p.m. Enjoy some good eating with good company and then stay for the music which follows.



Senior of the week

Our senior of the week is Doris Madrene Burns. Her friends call her Deanie. She resides in Morris. In addition to Alabama, she has also lived in Georgia, Oklahoma and Germany.

Traveling is one of the things she really enjoys doing. She was able to travel to several countries while her first husband, James Riddle, who was in the Army, was stationed in Europe.

Deanie is currently married to Raymond (Chub) Burns who is from Morris. She spent a number of years employed by Parisian in Five Points West.

She is an avid Bingo players who makes it a point to come to the center on Bingo days.

We’ve encouraged her to start coming in on Tuesday mornings to listen to our live country and western music. Since Country Boy Eddie is in her family, this would seem to be a natural thing for her to do.

We are happy to have Deanie as part of our group here at the Gardendale Senior Center.

A little advice for the day is, Cease to inquire what the future has in store, but take as a gift whatever the day brings forth.

And another thing, if you must doubt, doubt your doubts, never your beliefs.

Thanks to all of our readers out there and may the Good Lord watch over and keep you from all harm.

Until next week. God Bless.