Kimberly Seniors by Jody Newman

The North Jefferson News



Kimberly Seniors, we’ve had a lot of activities going on in the month of August, haven’t we?

Most candidates running for mayor and city council in Kimberly have visited us this month at the senior center and we have enjoyed all of their “attention” and hearing their “intentions.”

Thanks to all of you for your visits — please come again.

We now have Shirley Mills cooking pancakes and sausage on Friday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and we continue to have new members join us. Thanks, Shirley, for a job well done cooking and serving and thanks to those of you who have donated pancake mix, syrup, sausage, etc.

You’re wonderful!

One of our members deserves special attention, Don Dailey, who works for the Kimberly Street Department. Don has been making canes for our seniors who need a little extra help with balance or walking. All of these canes are different and unique and are love gifts from his Christian heart.

Not only has he blessed our center with these canes, but, thanks to him, his church, Macedonia Baptist, has donated 30 hymnals to our center. At least once a week you’ll find our seniors with hymnals in hand enjoying the old favorites. Thanks, Don.

We’ve had some great music this month from various musicians. Not only have we had such professionals as Glen Tolbert, but our local members come in ready to play almost every day. If you like to sing or play music, join us. We may not always sound real good but we make a joyful noise and have fun!

At least once a week we like to do crafts and have had some really good ones so far. We have made crosses with Lois Momen, have learned knitting and how to make door knockers for fall with Jeanne Holloway. We have framed our first puzzle and always have one in progress.

Next week, our ladies are going to make necklaces and we’re beginning to think about making Christmas ornaments. If you have a talent for crafts and would like to teach us how to make a special (low-cost) project, please let me know at 746-2292.

Our really big night this month was a spaghetti supper. It was a huge success. The center was full of people having fun and the food was unbelievable. My new husband Bob and I were completely surprised when our seniors conducted a “mock” wedding for us.

Thanks from both of us to all of you for all the work that went into that event, along with the beautiful cake and “memory box.” As usual, Dickie Nail and his group put on a great show for us!

On Aug. 18, we were pleased to welcome Kermit Dooley and his friends from the Gardendale Historical Society who talked to us about the Stouts Road project. Our own Jody Rickels has created a very detailed history of Kimberly and presented it to our center. Our members have been asked to build on it with their remembrances, pictures, etc. Thank you, Jody.

On Aug. 21, 10 of our ladies went to Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens for a tour of the home and lunch in the Garden Room. We were all on our best behavior and had a wonderful time. We now have in the works a trip to the Southern Women’s Show Oct 2.

On Aug. 25, Peggy Bagby and Jane Fisher did Mary Kay makeovers at the center. So if you want to know where the “beautiful” women are, it’s at the Kimberly Senior Center (ha-ha). Anyway, it was fun. Thank you, ladies.

This month, we had a lot of birthdays, so our birthday party was even more fun and festive. Also, James and Ann Teal celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary with us that day. We love you, James and Ann.

Karen Heaton of the UAB Community and Public Health Department brought five of her student nurses who talked with us about medications. It was very informative and we look forward to their return very soon. That same day, we were surprised when Digger Dan Dennis showed up with other local musicians and entertained us all. It was a great morning of enjoying new guests, music and dancing.

On Sept. 18, we’re planning a ’50s sock hop. We have great ‘50s music for the evening. All we need are dancers. What’s a sock hop unless folks dance. There will be hamburgers, coke floats and the usual ‘50s fare. Come check it out.

If you have any questions about the center or what’s taking place there, call me at 647-9154 or 746-2292. I look forward to introducing you to our senior center and the nice people who are making it a huge success.

May God richly bless all of you!