Gardendale Seniors By Mack McConnell

The North Jefferson News



The Gardendale Senior Center was well represented at the county “Holiday Cheer” program held in the Boutwell Auditor-ium.

With 34 of our group in attendance, our center was well represented.

Wearing their hometown hats, our members showed everyone that they were full of the Christmas spirit. Christmas music, singing, good food, and fellowship with other Jefferson County seniors—what more could you ask for?

Today, Wednesday, the 19th, Kendra, from the county, will be speaking on how to eat properly during the holidays. Now that’s something we all could do better at, so come on in to hear her advice on this subject.

The last potluck dinner of the year at the center will be tomorrow night (the 20th) at 5 p.m. Bring a covered dish to share and then stay for Christmas caroling until 8:30 p.m. Bo Chambers and his group will be playing and leading the singing.

Our own center party will be Friday, with breakfast starting at 9:30 a.m., so don’t be late. Bring an inexpensive present if you want to play Dirty Santa. Of course there will be plenty of other games and activities as well.

This would be a good time for those who have not yet found their way to the center to come on in and see what we are all about.

Since that’s the last day we’ll be open this year, you would have a couple of weeks to decide if you want to join up and become a regular member of this special group of folks.

I may be prejudiced, but I don’t think you’ll find a better group anywhere. Anyone who is at least 60 years old is welcome — no other criteria have to be met. The center is located just behind the Gardendale Civic Center.

A friend is a present you give to yourself.

Friends are made by many acts, and lost by only one.

I’ll give you the January schedule after we get back on Jan. 2, but I do need to remind you that you must get your forms completed and to Peggy right away if you want to participate in the water exercises for the first part of 2008.

Although I have not done it myself, I understand that this is a very effective way to get good exercise while having some fun at the same time. If you don’t already have a form, stop by the center today or tomorrow to get one from Peggy. The center will provide transportation to and from the pool.

Harold Freeman and the Brookridge Drifters brought us some really special music yesterday to keep us in the Holiday spirit. We appreciate their winding up our band year.



Band of the Week

Today we feature our last, but certainly not least, Band of the Week which has James “Skip” Drake at the helm.

Skip has been a long time musician who plays the guitar and sings for this group which comes to the center on the second Tuesday of each month.

The keyboard is played by the very capable S.A.Campbell, who can sing and play just about any song that is requested.

Another great singing voice in the band belongs to Philip Creel, who comes all the way from Cullman. He plays bass guitar for the group.

Paul and Geraldine Simpson add two more good singing voices to the group. Paul also plays the guitar.

You may remember the final two members of the group as they have been mentioned in conjunction with other bands. One is Lynn Kimbrough, who has been a favorite on the guitar and has helped us out all year. The other is Johnie Fay Wilkinson, keeping the beat going on her big bass fiddle. She always does a wonderful job.

We appreciate this group doing such a fine job for us. The second Tuesday of each month just wouldn’t be the same without them.

We wish all of the bands and their families a very Merry Christmas and thank them for all they have done for us this year. All of you guys and gals are the best.

We’ve had a really good year here at the center. We want to remember those who have gone on to be with the Lord this year. And we rejoice for the new faces that have blessed us this year.

I wish everyone a very blessed Christmas and pray for a healthy year ahead. It’ll be fun, especially if you are a part of it.

Until next week, God Bless.