Library offering computer classes

Published 9:28 am Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Gardendale Senior News by Mack McConnell

The North Jefferson News



I hope that all of you are planning to come into the center this morning at 10 a.m. to hear our mayor as he gives his “State of Gardendale” address.

Have you seniors ever had the thought, “I’d like to write that person and express my views, but my handwriting isn’t too good anymore and it would be hard to read?” Maybe you’ve been given a computer but it’s really not doing you much good because no one has had time to train you to use it. The solution: Call 631-6639 and sign up for free computer classes which will be held each Wednesday from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Gardendale Library.

You don’t need to have any prior knowledge about computers. You will be in classes with a maximum of six people and will soon know a few basic facts to get you started. You don’t need to have your own computer; you may use those in the library, the senior center, and other places. You’ll surprise yourself on what you can do at any age. Give it a try as you will not be under any pressure.

While you are in the library you might want to check out one of the all time favorites, “To Kill a Mocking Bird.” Everyone knows that this book originated in Alabama and became a tremendous hit not just here, but all over the U.S. and the world.

The book was turned into a movie, which was also a big hit. Lisa will be back at the center on April 18 to show this film to us. It was good when we saw it back “when” and I’m sure that you will enjoy seeing it again for the umpteenth time.

Being capable of viewing a movie such as this is something most people take for granted, but maybe we shouldn’t. There is no reason for any of us not to be informed about our eyesight. Everyone in the older years gets one or more problems. If you are properly informed on what you need to be aware of, you can often prevent more serious problems later on down the road. I know that I was surprised when, on a routine visit to my optometrist, I was told I was in the beginning stages of glaucoma. By catching it early and with proper treatment, I have had little problems so far.

Low vision is a more difficult situation, but help can be given. So come on in and hear Jeff McAnnally, who will be leading a meeting on low vision on Friday, April 25, at 10 a.m. This meeting is open to the public, so please pass the word around and you may really help yourself, a family member, or a friend.

On April 30, at 10 a.m., Dan Mosley, who is with Sun Capital, will bring an informative talk on reverse mortgages. It can be a real blessing to many, but you need to know the pros and cons before you sign anything.

Friendly Bingo goes on each Monday and Thursday morning from 9:30 to 11. The senior musical program has been tremendously successful. Yesterday Harold Freeman and his group gave it all as they blessed us with many new songs and a lot of old favorites. Next Tuesday it will be Jerry Bosworth’s turn to be back with his talented group.

Since we have five Tuesdays this month, the Covenant Group will be back. Under their new director, Mickey Shefield, they will have a well-planned program for us to see and listen to.

Large crowds continue to come out to hear and enjoy The Country Pickers with Jerry Bosworth at the helm. If you love quality music you must come and listen on Tuesday evenings between six and nine. We thank you for coming out in goodly numbers to show your appreciation to those that give freely of their talents and time. We love all of you.

The picture of health requires a happy frame of mind.



Senior of the Week

Our senior of the week is Robert Clifton Stripling. Many address him as “Rev.” Robert was born in Pickens City out from Tuscaloosa. He attended school in the Kennedy School System. He got some education in the Air Force and more later on in Birmingham.

Robert entered the Air Force in 1942 and became Crew Chief, serving from England to North Africa and then on into Italy to Sardance to Corcia and from France to Germany before returning home to the U.S. in November 1945.

He followed the mechanical trade after the Air Force service and opened up his own shop in Warrior as Stripling Motor Company. Later he went into Hays Air Craft and spent 30 years before retiring.

Robert was licensed into the ministry in 1963 while attending Southeastern Bible College. He was ordained in 1971 in Cane Creek and stayed there as their pastor for 21 years. When his health permits, he still goes to the Covenant House for service fellowship.

Robert married Margie Cooper who was from Warrior. They had two children. Margie passed on to her eternal reward on June 26, 2000.

He comes into the center as often as health permits. Robert Stripling is an inspiration to all who come in contact with him.

The trouble with the future is that it keeps getting closer and closer.

Until next week. God bless.