WS Chronicle

JUDIE HOLCOMB-PACK 

THE CHRONICLE 

 May is Older Americans Month and Mayor Allen Joines visited the local AARP Forsyth Chapter #1797 on Tuesday, May 13, to present a proclamation to honor the accomplishments, wisdom and talents of older adults in our community. 

SandraKay Lawson-Crump, chapter president, welcomed the mayor and mentioned that this year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging.” After the proclamation was read and presented, Melissa Smith gave a presentation on the many services provided by the Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem. 

Members shared with The Chronicle what they thought was the best thing about being an older American. Here are their responses: 

*Aurelia Worthy: “Cost discounts, pleasantness from younger generations, respect.” 

*Jean Moser-Petree: “Can plan my own schedule, discounts for services, fellowship of other seniors, grateful to reach senior age, retirement.” 

*Constance Carlton: “Being able to connect with family without having to go to work; Medicare and Social Security; being able to travel and come back when you want to; and no time constraints.” 

*Mae Timmons-Moore: “Discounts; ability to redeem your time for yourself; and senior programs that foster fellowship and healthy initiatives.” 

*Matilda Phillips: “Wisdom!” 

*Judith Vestal: “Social Security, retirement and freedom!” 

*Althea Taylor-Jones: “Wisdom and experiences – ‘Been there, done that’; blessed to have lived beyond younger stages of life to ‘pass it forward’ to my children (biological as well as surrogate), grands, and great-grands, as well. To God be the glory!” 

*SandraKay Lawson-Crump: “I finally figured it out. The only reason to be alive is to enjoy life!” 

As an older adult as well, I second the responses about retirement, Social Security, Medicare, discounts such as Senior Day at Harris Teeter, as well as having a younger boyfriend who still has his night vision. 

As someone once said, “Youth is wasted on the young.” Happy Older Americans Month! 

The Forsyth chapter of AARP is open to anyone with an AARP card. The group meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Senior Services, except for the months of July and August. They participate in food drives, school supplies drives, and other events that support our community. For more information, visit www.aarpforsyth.wordpress.com.