WHAT DID I DO THIS SUMMER? READ ON

African American Senior Citizens are feeling the cooling of the summer’s sun and the leaves are starting to flutter to the ground. However, there have been some memorable moments during the summer of 2004.

Fun

The Freedom Choir spent some time smiling, laughing and even singing during their summer break at the home of Mrs. Josephine Fullilove while her daughter was here visiting. The food was tasty; the punch was cold; and the camaraderie was warm. Choir rehearsals begin again on September 13, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at Third Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to come out and sing with us. Bass and tenors are especially invited. Remember, the Freedom Choir is made up from various churches and friends.

Disappointment

Mrs. Gloria Wilson, Director of the Mason Square Senior Center located inside the Mason-Wright Retirement Community invited me to attend the Open House and Grandparents’ Day celebration. According to Mr. Robert Able, Director of the Retirement Community, the Open House was a joint venture with the Mason Square Senior Center, Greater Springfield Senior Services, Campuano Cares and Hawthorn Services-Adult Day Care Center located in the building. While there, I viewed two apartments of tenants who live there. One was a studio apartment and the other was a one bedroom. Nice.

The Open House event was disappointing because there were at least 30 Caucasians, 15 African Americans and no minister representing any of our churches, as well as no African American leader. Readers, I concluded this was not a Mason Square event; it was led by the Mason-Wright staff and its director.

I returned on Grandparents’ Day and found the same audience make-up, only less African Americans. Residents were invited to show pictures of their grandchildren but the African Americans didn’t have any pictures to show. When I asked, “Why?” They said they weren’t asked. There really wasn’t a program and I was disappointed again. The audience was comprised of residents and I was left with the feeling that the Mason Square Senior Center has lost its leadership.

MORE FUN

Recently, traveling with Alice and Bob McDonald, we went on a tour to Maine and ate at the Foster Clam & Lobster Restaurant. The place looked just like an old country house. Dinner was ready upon our arrival and we dined on clam chowder, corn, potatoes, rolls, lobster and chicken (lobster for me) and beverages. Entertainment was provided by a 3-piece band and guests were invited to sit in. Mrs. Betty Davis played bass drum and Ms. Mamie Duncan played the long neck guitar. Inside the gift shop, I bought lobster shaped lollipops, 10-inch candy sticks and other items. Our free time was spent shopping at a mall in Kittery, Maine and then we headed home and thanked the Lord for a wonderful day.

Coming soon

The Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner held by the Mason Square Volunteers. Look for our flyers and applications and don’t forget our Pre-New Year’s Party date also to be announced. n