By Vicki Scott
I wish you could feel the excitement I have within me!
May is Older Americans Month, and my husband Alan and I were invited to join the festivities at the George Wallace Senior Center in Glencoe. Alan has never been to this event, and this might be his last opportunity. I‘m not sure if he’s ready yet, as the event is one big party. Partying is not Alan’s thing, unless motorcycles are involved. I, on the other hand, am ready!
The first year I attended this event, I saw the need to learn to line dance. It took months and a lot of patience, but we were ready to line dance at the next year’s event, during which I saw a need to learn to hula hoop. Two of our four grandchildren, my children and their spouses all know how to hula hoop, but I‘m still learning. They say it is easy. I say, “for who?” For what it’s worth, my daughter Eva says that I try too hard.
This year marks quite a while since Talladega has been on my mind. Hopefully, my mind will recharge its memories of the line dancing steps I learned. I know I will be sitting with Alan during the hula hoop contest, unless he wants to compete. If he does, it will be recorded!
Another goal for this year is to go through the long vendor line with the George Wallace seniors. In past years, I‘ve saved spots at tables while several precious seniors would bring me free stuff, including my favorite tee shirts. I’ve worn out my previous ones. One year I found that I had two shirts of the same design, which meant more than one senior was looking out for me. I plan to pass this on by looking out for our new seniors.
One thing about this event is the possibility of finding goods or services that would benefit my new seniors. During our last luncheon, they seemed receptive to a few things I’d mentioned and wanted to know more. I plan to get all the information and business cards I can find for them, and I’m confident that everything I need will be at this event.
The most important thing about this event is getting to seeing those folks at the George Wallace Senior Center who can join us in the festivities. There are names and faces that come to mind when I think of past Talladega encounters, and it makes my soul smile and, oh, the glory bumps!
If I do not get to see my people at Talladega, they’ll get a chance to redeem themselves on May 19 when we plan to visit George Wallace Senior Center to celebrate Jerry Skinner’s birthday, which falls on the same day as yours truly. Several times our birthday fell on the same day as the Talladega party, and what a birthday party it was! If Alan recovers from Talladega, he might let me play bingo! I predict cake, too.
That reminds me – guess what Alan bought me for my birthday? Tickets to see William Lee Golden in July at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center! He will be singing with his sons, and one of them looks like him with long hair and beard. I hope I do not get confused again. Either way, I believe you will read about this concert in a future column. I am so excited!
When most folks think about Talladega, the NASCAR races come to mind. I personally think about getting together with all the senior centers in the state of Alabama and seeing all the seniors having a good time. They deserve it!
If my excitement is not apparent by now, I give up. I will just enjoy my thoughts without you. I would rather share my joy with you, though. If possible, I would love to see any and all of you at these places.
Stay safe, y’all, and get excited! Life is too short!
Vicki Scott may be contacted at lily200383@yahoo.com.