I hope all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving. We did. There was plenty of good food and fellowship, as well as so many things to be thankful for. Our children were away. Our daughter Susan and her husband, Lee, were celebrating their anniversary on the island of Barbados. Their anniversary is on Thanksgiving Day. Our daughter, Lori, is deployed to the Philippines, and her husband, Remy, is stationed in Hawaii. Keep them all in your prayers. So, Gene, Kanani and I had Thanksgiving with my mother-in-law, Ms. Ila Phillips of Godwin. Then, we went back to my Mama’s house too full to eat anything. There was so much food! Isn’t it great to live in a country where we are able to eat not because we are hungry, but mostly because we want to and the food is so good!

Today we said our goodbyes to a great friend and co-worker, Lesia Henderson. She is retiring from the Department of Aging. We had more good food, a lot of hugs, and great memories of things that she has done for people over the years. She touched a lot of lives during her time with the Department of Aging. I am sure God will bless her as she moves on to another important chapter in her life. Lesia you will be missed. We wish you all the best.

The Garland Center was recently blessed to have Ms. Verneice Oxendine present a program on services for the blind. She had so much information to offer those who are legally blind.

Janelle, from services for the hard of hearing, also visited the center. She helped folks apply for the Cap Tel phone for the hard of hearing. She also provided information on a variety of other services. Also on site was Mr. Glen Oates, from the Ship program. This program assists seniors with Medicare Part D. Remember, he will be at the Center on Monday mornings and other times upon request.

Carolina Foot Care will be at the center again in December. Watch for the date.

Brenda Brown from Social Security will also be at the center on Dec. 17. She will be presenting a program titled “Chew and Chat”. Come join us for a questions and answer session.

The Garland Head Start program treated the Garland Seniors to a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24. That was a real feast! It is so wonderful to have a partnership with the Head Star program. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between the young and the old.

The Christmas season is quickly approaching. Find out those who are in need. Pick a family and adopt them for Christmas. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to give, not expecting something in return. Just try it. You might like it.

I still need a good recipe featuring pecans. For the best chicken salad recipe, see Liz Johnson. For the best Japanese Fruit Cake recipe, see Eloise Brewington. For the best chicken pastry see Marie Bordeaux and Lillie Thomas. For the best fritters, see Marie Faircloth. Who makes your favorite food? Let us know and we’ll be sure to feature them in this newsletter.

With all the cases of flu going around, folks are sure to have fever blisters. Try some camphor. I hear it works well. Preparation H is also a great treatment for fever blisters and cold sores. This is a tried and tested remedy. It really works!

Have you heard about Ivory Soap being good for restless legs or leg cramps? I hear it works wonders. Ms. Lillie Thomas has leg cramps. Sometimes she will be at the center, and she’ll ask for some soap. But most of the time, she carries it in her purse. Just ask her about it!

Edward McKoy is back home, after a stay in Wake and the VA hospital. Continue to keep him in your prayers. Also remember Mr. Walter Fryar. He is in good sprits, but he still can use our prayers. Remember Rachel Fryar. She is such a great person – always encouraging me about my newsletter. Keep on reading Rachel!

A special thanks to all who participated in “Shagging for Santa”. This is a great fundraiser for the Department of Aging. This fund-raising helps a lot of people.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, remember “Jesus is the reason for the Season”. Also remember “he who profits most, serves best”. Become a servant of the Lord and reap the benefits.

Until next week, stay warm and safe under the old shade tree.