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Weekly Activities
Wednesdays
Senior Adult Activity Day
Central Church, 2005 Winchester Blvd., Room 1136 Worship Center
8:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Games, food, fellowship
We furnish coffee and the people furnish the fun and fellowship as they meet to play games (Rook, Scrabble, and Dominos), shoot pool, visit and eat. We have lots of good cooks who bring homemade goodies to share. We have a devotional time at 11:30 a.m. We sing two or three favorite hymns, have corporate prayer, and have a short message by Don Brock. Many people bring lunch and eat together after the devotions.
3rd Fridays of the Month
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Senior Adults
March Come Alive Dinner
Friday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Details...
AARP 55 ALIVE DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM
Geoffrey Pratt, AARP Driver Safety Program Instructor presented Jo Ann Harris, Director of Senior Adult Ministries, a certificate of appreciation to Central Church for service to the community through sponsorship of the Driver Safety Program. Central Church has hosted AARP Driver Safety classes for senior adults for 17 years. The AARP DRiver Safety Program is the nations's first and largest classroom refresher course for drivers age 50 and older.
May 2009 Senior Adult Trip to Chattanooga
May 19 - 22, 2009
ALL ABOARD FOR CHATTANOOGA, By Frances Moore
Have you ever wondered what Willie Nelson and the Senior Adults at Central Church have in common? It's Willie's Theme Song . . . . ."ON THE ROAD AGAIN!"
Jo Ann Harris and her "children" recently hit the road headed for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hey, that brings another song to mind - "Chattanooga Choo Choo" - and I bet you guessed it . . .that's where the traveling Seniors camped out during their 3-night stay in Chattanooga. Of course, Jo Ann and her travelers never go anywhere without their trusty bus driver, Todd Simpson. IF TODD CAN'T GO, WE DON'T GO!
Early on Tuesday, May 19, we met for our usual trip breakfast of coffee and sausage biscuits. A malfunctioning alarm clock (we should all probably have back up clocks) caused a delay in our departure. But, while we waited, Duffy Devoto related the true story of how the inspirational song, "It Is No Secret" came to be written. Then we all joined in singing the chorus - we can all attest to the truth in the title of that beautiful song.
Setting off on the first leg of our trip, we passed the time playing games (there are always fun prizes) and watched a movie on the video screens. It was a good one called "Fly Away Home" and most people really enjoyed it. *A side note: Ken Garrard, what was that loud noise (snoring) coming from the back of the bus?
Our first "pit" stop was in Tuscumbia, Alabama. By this time, some of us needed a chocolate pit stop. Our lunch was in Huntsville, Alabama. We couldn't eat at the Wendy's (Buford Little's choice) because our fearless leader feared the traffic and wouldn't let us cross the highway on foot! I guess that's why she is the leader. We did enjoy our meals as we chose between MacDonald's, Arby's, and Hardees's.
After much confusion about "where do I sit now?" we reloaded the bus and continued our journey. Jo Ann loves for us to play "musical seats" on her bus trips; it gives us different views of the road as we travel - and so far, unlike the real musical chairs, she and Todd haven't removed any of the seats so even if you are last one back on the bus, there is still a place to sit. *Another side note: Dan McQueen, what happens on a trip, STAYS on the trip. Dan holds the record for quickest induction into the "Rowdy Bunch" aptly led by president, Ken Garrard. We hadn't even made it to lunch on the first day!
When we reached Chattanooga, our first stop was the wonderful Tennessee Aquarium. We entered at the ground level to explore the many fantastic displays such as the huge sea horse exhibit. Who knew there were so many kinds? We even saw pregnant MALE seahorses giving birth - what a great concept, huh, girls??? To move from the ground level, we road the longest and steepest escalator we had ever seen to the other levels. Duffy Devoto commented that he thought St. Peter would be at the top waiting for him. What a long ride to "Heaven!"
Another side note: Nancy Jaffe and Doris Donald surely knew how to keep a certain "someone" happy on this trip. (The chocolate candy bar was delicious.)
On the other levels our travelers could view otters cavorting in a marvelous recreation of a swampy delta habitat - complete with baby gators, a tropical rain forest where you can find yourself surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies, a pool where you can actually touch manta rays, and at Penguin Rock, watch penguins swimming and diving in the aquarium's newest gallery. Todd and Jo Ann went on to the hotel to get us checked in and have our luggage delivered to our rooms while we enjoyed all the sights at the aquarium.
While we waited at the designated place for the bus to pick us up, we were approached by three young people carrying video equipment and a microphone. They identified themselves as members of a group called Untamed Science, who were making educational videos for middle school age children. All marine biologists - one was from California, one from Texas, and the other from Sweden. They asked some of us what "heredity" meant to us. They liked Glenn Moore's answer and videoed his comments. So what was his contribution to posterity? "Heredity is what I expected to inherit from my father before he spent it and before I got it." You never know who you will run into and what might happen on one of Jo Ann's trips.
Our bus brought us to the hotel where we were given pins that are special collectors' items celebrating the 100th anniversary of the "Choo-Choo." We also received miniature Moon Pies, invented in Chattanooga about a century ago, from the Conventions & Visitors Bureau. We had dinner in the Gardens Restaurant, then a good night's sleep after our first day on the road.
Wednesday, May 20, we had a buffet breakfast at the hotel. There was just one little problem - we got sick chocolate milk - very pale and weak chocolate milk. Margie Little and Frances Moore (that would be me) bribed their Brazilian waiter into fixing them REAL chocolate milk. We will always remember that young man - he knows his chocolate milk!
(Editorial side note: Please ignore the author's fixation on chocolate!)
After breakfast, we toured Point Park on Lookout Mountain. This military national park was established in 1890. Our park ranger gave a very interesting presentation of historical facts concerning the battle on Lookout Mountain and Point Park. From this vantage point, we could see a panoramic view of the Tennessee River as it wound its way through Chattanooga.
By the time we finished touring this battlefield, it was once again time to eat lunch. Just think of Willie Nelson's theme song with the words "Time to Eat Again!" Kudos to Jo Ann! Bea's Restaurant was fantastic. We all sat at big round tables, each with a huge Lazy Susan in the middle loaded with good old country cooking. Some of our folks were spinning those Lazy Susans pretty fast - Vanna White would have envied our Wheels of Fortune - our wheels of plenty. *A side note for our Branson travelers: these tables did not rise!!
After lunch, we had a choice of returning to the hotel for some free time or riding the world famous Incline Railway. Todd and Jo Ann joined the brave souls who wanted to make the trip up the Incline. It is called the Mile of Smiles, and we definitely proved that to be true, however, we were all very happy to return to earth.
After a brief rest period Wednesday afternoon, we once again boarded our bus and headed for Pier 2 and the Southern Belle Riverboat. We were fortunate to take the Lockmaster's Dinner Cruise, traveling through the locks on the Tennessee River onto Chickamauga Lake. While cruising, we listened to a narrator point out various points of interest along the way. Some of us enjoyed cruising inside the boat and others preferred the fresh air out on the decks. Either way, it was an eerie feeling seeing our boat rising as if we were on an elevator.
On the trip back to the docks, we were treated to some good live entertainment with our kind of music. When the combo began playing "Let's Do The Twist," Rose Bauer, Rosa Creed, Melba Scott, Sharlene Mahaffy, and Sheri Fagan did exactly that! Other brave dancers were Nancy Jaffe, Doris Donald, and Dan and Sharon McQueen. Great job, folks - you did us proud! Wednesday was a wonderful, fun-filled day.
Thursday was another very busy day. After breakfast we boarded our beautiful, white bus and headed to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Oglethorpe, Georgia. We stopped at the Visitors' Center that looked like a beautiful Southern Colonial home. Inside this center is the Fuller Collection of American Military Shoulder Arms. There are 346 weapons on display and many of them are rare and unique. Glenn Moore saw a 1903 Springfield rifle identical to the ones he fired while in Army training in 1951. Tommy Young especially enjoyed this stop. His great interest in the Civil War memorabilia and weapons made this exhibit a personal favorite. After viewing the many displays, we watched an interesting and informative video presentation - "The Battle of Chickamauga."
Next, it was time for our tour of the battlefield. A park ranger boarded our bus and narrated the entire tour through this beautiful and historic park. He was an excellent guide. We found out that his last name is Blackwell and wondered if he could be related to Earl Blackwell, but, no, he isn't. The actual battlefield is the park. It is the largest and oldest national park in the U.S. It cost the country 35 million dollars in currency to buy those 8,000 acres but it cost so much more in lost lives. There were 124,000 troops engaged in battle for two and one half days. 34,000 of those men are buried in the park. Every state regiment or battalion that had troops in the battle has erected its own monument in the park. Tennessee has four monuments on the battlefield . . . . a powerful legacy for us today. It's quite possible that some of our relatives fought at Chickamauga. For over an hour, we pondered this chapter of American history as we toured this solemn memorial.
Lunch was at the Park Place Restaurant, and then the rest of the afternoon was free time. Some of us ventured to the downtown area of Chattanooga while others really rested up for the evening. Our energy levels were beginning to wane at this point.
Thursday evening we attended The Jukebox Junction Family Theater. Five of our group wore real poodle skirts and Oxford shoes. Doris Donald, Nancy Jaffe, Marian Young, Bonnie Barger, and Jo Ann Harris represented us well. The first half of the show was comedy with a little Gospel music. Most of us agreed that the second half of the show, the Rock and Roll Revue was the best. "Tina Turner, Etta James, Brenda Lee, and many other singers brought back wonderful memories with their performances. Because we were so exhausted by the time the show was over, our caring driver, Todd, picked us up from the show and drove us the 200 yards to our hotel! Thank you, Todd!! No wonder we love you so much.
Friday morning was D-day . . departure day; our bags were outside our rooms by 8:30 a.m. After breakfast (and the last chance to enjoy the delicious waffles with the imprint of the Choo-Choo) at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel, we boarded the bus and headed for home.
On each of our fabulous trips with Jo Ann, she always has a surprise for us. This trip was no exception. Our surprise was a slight detour to Scottsboro, Alabama, home of the Delta Airlines Unclaimed Baggage Center. For one hour, we shopped for every kind of item at bargain prices. We bought jewelry, back packs, and even hearing aid batteries - from the posh to the practical. Thanks, Jo Ann, for this surprise.
Sharon McQueen has proven herself to be the Queen of the scavenger hunts - sharp eyes!! She won on the Branson trip, and this time, on the way to Chattanooga. She decided not to play on the way back or, we are sure, she would have won that one too! Ken Garrard won on the way home. He only needed two more items, red socks and a patriotic pin, when we stopped for lunch. At the restaurant, he spied a lady wearing the red socks and one of the waitresses was wearing the patriotic pin. After explaining the game we were playing, both ladies gave him their name, and he was declared the winner.
That restaurant, Newbern's in Florence, Alabama, was the scene of our final meal on this marvelous trip. Several of us enjoyed the catfish which came highly recommended by a member of the "Rowdy Bunch." Others of enjoyed the delicious BBQ plates. A few people bought pieces of homemade lemon icebox pie and, of course, chocolate pie. (Had to get that in just one more time.) Because we were so stuffed after lunch, we did "take-out" on the pies.
For anyone who thinks there is nothing to do in Chattanooga, you are 100% incorrect. We visited memorable and touching historical sites, strengthened old friendships, and formed great new ones. FELLOWSHIP, FOOD, FUN - This is the motto adopted by the travelers on Jo Ann's Central Church trips.
We are glad to be home, thanking the LORD for safe travel, signing off until our next trip, and Todd's "All Aboard!"
Free Senior Adult Fitness Class
Now Offered at Central Church on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. in the Aerobics Room
 Do you want to be stronger, more flexible, have better balance, increase your metabolism, be healthier and have fun? You can be well on your way to accomplishing all these goals by attending our new Senior Adult Fitness Class taught by Kyra Barger, a member of Central Church.
Find out more...
Forever Young
The Forever Young Senior Wish Organization is the realization of founder, Diane Hight. It is her desire to give Senior Adults the honor and respect they deserve by granting a longed for wish, providing a special opportunity, or giving an item that would make life easier or more comfortable.
Read more here...
Meet Bubba and Barbara Beloate
When Barbara's mom was pregnant with her second baby (Barbara), she was exposed to a sick child. She asked what was wrong and was told that the child had German measles. Barbara says, "My Mother just freaked out! She went to the doctor and was told that if she caught the disease, then something could be wrong with her baby, so she was upset and afraid." Her mom did come down with the measles and was very sick. When Barbara was born, everything seemed fine, but as she grew, her family realized she did not respond to sounds. more....
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Connecting
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Mrs. Jo Ann Harris
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Alicia Miehe
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Don Brock
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