The beautiful days for the past week have been so enjoyable. Moderate temperatures, partly cloudy or cloudy skies, and usually a light breeze beckons people to the outdoors. They seem to be a bit more on the happy and friendly side than not with beaming faces and joyful smiles. Going from the extremes of temperatures to mild ones just energizes and renews one’s spirit.
With Janet James out of town, I was asked if I would write this column for her until she returns. It has been eight years since I have written one, but I will attempt to do so. I am open to suggestions from our beloved seniors for subject matter. Just give your suggestions to Charlotte, and she will give them to me.
I will introduce myself as I am sure that some of you have become regulars at the Center since I was there daily. I am Sue Patterson and was secretary to Judy Goodwin for a year. When she and her husband moved to Santa Fe, I was hired as director for the next eight years until I retired to spend time with my ill son. Never in all my working life have I worked with such beautiful people whether they were on the Board, my staff or all who came to enjoy the Center on a daily basis. Did we always see eye-to-eye? Goodness no! We worked around many conflicting ideas and eventually all was working smoothly again. It saddens me that so many of my dearest friends have passed on, but they will always have a place in my heart and memories. Let me say this about your current director. Charlotte came on board about my third year as my secretary. I can honestly say that I have never had a secretary that I enjoyed working with as much. I am sure that you are all enjoying her as your director now.
Charlotte asked the members today if they would write down what they liked best about Slaton. I wanted to include some of the answers in this column. I want all of Slaton to realize what fine and caring people join together for fun, education, exercise and socializing.
Karen Horn wrote. “I love Slaton because it is friendly. I’m new—only 11 years here, and I will be here the rest of my life. Strong churches and good community!”
Connie Garza and Johnny Vela both said, “I like Slaton because it is my hometown.”
Richard Edwards gave the following – “The smiles and greetings of friends wherever I go. The convenience of living only minutes from anything I need or want.”
Pascual Prieto wrote. “The best thing in Slaton is the friendly and kind people. The Senior Citizen Center is a good place for me as a senior citizen. I spend many hours there.”
Monica Urias wrote a short epistle. “Moving to Slaton 43 years ago was quite an eye opener. Having never lived in a small town, my new experience turned out to be quite an education. I grew to love Slaton as I became involved in many projects offered in the community. To make a long story short, I came to love Slaton because of its citizens. I now have many friends here which I would not trade for anything!”
Janis King – “What I like best about Slaton—we have a really nice Sr. Citizens Center.”
Gene and Beverly Droemer wrote. “Gene and I went to the benefit show for Hunter Kerby, great grandson of Ms Imogene Davis, at the Cactus Theatre. The people of Slaton were generous in attendance, giving of baked goods, gifts, etc. They were generous in their bidding on auction goodies. Don Caldwell and his Cactus performers gave a great memorable performance.”
Donovan Reeder, our daily volunteer for anything that is needful, said “I like the friendly people, my job and I had good teachers in school.”
Thank you all for assuring everyone that Slaton is one of the best places in Texas to live.
As a reminder, everyone that has been blessed to have reached the beautiful age of 60 is encouraged to come and participate in the activities and enjoy a good meal at lunch time. If you do not have transportation, please call Charlotte and arrangements will be made for pickup and to take you back home. Each of you is very important, and we invite you with open arms to become a part of the great opportunities awaiting you.
