FAIRVIEW, Ala.- It’s been well over a year since the Recycled Teenagers of Fairview have been able to gather at their senior center. However, Friday morning, seniors in Fairview had an opportunity to gather in Randall Shedd Park for food, fun and fellowship courtesy of the Town of Fairview.
Fairview Mayor Keith Henry was excited to welcome the large crowd of seniors proudly wearing their purple and gold t-shirts to a beautiful and sunny day in the park. He said, “We are just glad to have everybody out and see a great turnout. We are glad to have a park that y’all can come and enjoy. Y’all are what make the community, it’s not the town. It’s the people who live in it and we love every one of you. Isn’t it great to live in a place with a nice park where the sheriff will come out and pray for us? It’s a special community.”
Sheriff Matt Gentry and the CCSO provided a lunch of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Representative Randall Shedd and 2019 Ms. Senior Cullman County and Alabama Phyllis Hain came out to see everybody. Shedd was enthusiastic about being in Fairview saying, “Howdy neighbors!!” He joked with Sheriff Gentry, “Thank you for keeping law and order with the Recycled Teenagers!”
Close to a dozen games and booths were set up for everyone to play including a putting green, cake walk, ring toss, bean bag baseball and more. Each game was sponsored by area health care providers and services with prizes to fill the bags each senior received as they arrived. Students from Fairview High School assisted with the games and activities.
“You get bored sitting at home by yourself,” said Recycled Teenager Michael Stidham. He is ready for the senior center to be open and was grateful to the town for sponsoring Friday’s event. During the shutdown, Stidham would occasionally meet a buddy in the park for coffee to “kill time,” but this was the first time seeing all his friends since the center was shut down in March 2020.
Seniors had the opportunity to meet Stephanie Lawson, the new director of Cullman County Commission on Aging. The Recycled Teenagers were also thrilled to see and talk to friends and Angie Carter, the director of the Fairview Senior Center. Carter organized the town-sponsored event. She thanked the Town of Fairview, Cullman Regional Medical Center and all the sponsors and individuals who made the May Day possible.
As the seniors strolled about the park, there were lots of hugs and bright smiles as they were finally able to see their best friends face-to-face. Lawson was able to provide some good news as she introduced herself to the crowd. She said, “My understanding is, and we are going to finalize it today I hope, it looks like we are probably going to get to open June 1. That’s what we are really working for and that’s our goal. We are crossing our fingers and saying a prayer.”
Copyright 2021 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
