Sorry I missed my article last week, but I was so busy, I simply didn’t have time to get it done. Then “Bam” my computer was down. Technology is so good, but when it goes it leaves us paralyzed! Well there is a quote “there is no better time to write than now, so here I go.

Let’s get back to the energetic aging folk in our area. Last week we shared several folk, and we shall continue. There is something about our elders, their strengths, ambitions and wisdom. Seniors are our wisdom keepers. Their strength amuses me. They are made of strong stuff. I speak to folk in their 80s and 90s and older. Most of them will say “we don’t get old because we continue to play; we get old because we stop playing.” I hope I can keep that in mind.

I am 72 and I like to run, jump rope with my grandchildren, go to the park and slide on the sliding board. Journey thinks that’s fun but she will say “grandma you too big.” Someone asked me when I was going to retire? I did once, but I continue to work. I love it! So my answer is “Never ever!” I love my job. I love my strengths and I thank God for it.

So I say to our seniors: exercise, eat healthy as you can, stay connected with friends and be active, share your stories and, most of all, get out of the house! Choose a personal ministry.

Let’s get back to our elders. First look at Eloise Brewington, 95. She still sews, threads a needle, irons clothes. Last night she was picking knots from a chain necklace with a needle. She has great strengths. She counts all strength in the Lord. (I hope I got my genes from her).

Helen Herring is full of umph. She comes to the center, walks to town, is very active, serves as senior center queen.

J.W Hill now is 95 years. He is full of spunk. He’s the boss! If you don’t believe it ask Jimmy and the girls. I do believe he’d go to work in a minute. He’s full of wisdom and knowledge.

Ms. Doshia Pridgen visits the center weekly. Pauline Jacopec visits the center and the sick. She picks potatoes and makes muffins. It amazes me Mary Brown, Charles Herring, Elbert Crenshaw, Gertie Herring, Eloise, Mary Peoples, Pat and Mary Jones and Francis Clifton.

Upcoming events: AARP will be at Butler Court Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. NC STEP will be at the Garland Senior Center on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. Later that day, NC STEP will meet at center at 7 p.m. A spaghetti dinner will be served. It’s also free. So come and join and take part in this. Eat smart is starting a new program on Monday’s at 11 a.m. Come learn how to benefit from exercise and eating healthy. On Oct.18, SCC nursing students will be here at 9 a.m. Prayer breakfast every Monday. Sheila Smith will be here to talk politics Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. Remember Oct.3 – Nov.3 is early voting. Garland Senior Center Fall Fest will be Oct. 30. Wear your favorite costume. We will also have a costume contest that day. Hope I win, oops hope you win.

Please remember to stay connected to the Shade Tree of Aging. Hear a lot, share a lot. Celebrating “the art of the table’. A new program through the NC Museum of Art will be held Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.

Now for our remedies: Plant to keep mosquitoes away! The castor bean plant. Seeds available from any nursery. Plant in pots within the house; replant outdoors. Decorative and they grow like weeds! Remove coffee and tea stains! Glycerin or ethylene Glycol “Prestone” or Diethylene Glycol.

Hope everyone continues to stay under the shade tree. Until next time, I hope everyone has a safe and blessed week.