Tuesday Morning~~
Well, my second column is sent off to the editor.., and here it is...

Seniors. We are all going to be one, if we are lucky. But what is there for us, if our children are long gone, and we are retired from our careers? Where to go? What to do?
The Berlin Senior Center has provided the answer for many of our area seniors. I volunteer there, and I would love to tell you more about this vital community service. The Director, Shelby Bacon, is a 5'2, blue-eyed dynamo that never stops. Her heels click rapidly on the worn linoleum floor, as she dashes from her office to the kitchen to the long tables where the seniors congregate. It's not a job for the faint hearted, nor for someone who is looking to get rich. But, in Shelby's words, " I have always felt that I get so much more back from them then I could possibly give to them."
I know how she feels. It's not just a place to watch TV or play bingo. It's a unique family unto itself, made up of people like Tommy, who, at age 95, will croon "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" with a little encouragement. It's Margaret, who helps her fellow seniors that aren't as mobile as she, and helps staff serve lunch. It's Liz, flirty at 86, always ready to liven up the day with a smile or a song. It's Jackie, who leads chair exercise daily, and "Miss" Vivian, who runs the thrift shop located in the center. (and is rumored to make the best bread pudding in Berlin). And I can't not mention Frank, age 100, cracking jokes and winking at the ladies and extolling the virtues of green tea. I could go on and on, for each of my friends there are unique.
But what do they DO there? The day starts for Shelby and her assistant, Sylvia Dixon, at 7:30 am. That's when the phones start ringing, with who is coming and who is not, because there is a bus service to and from the center each day. Clarence drives the Ocean Pines route, and Jim the local Berlin route. Seniors themselves, they aren't just employees. They watch over their clients, helping them with steps, walkers, and packages. Each day they drive the Meals on Wheels lunch route, too, a service for those in the community that are homebound. The Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines/Greater Ocean City provides volunteers to help Jim and Clarence with delivery, so a great big thank you to them, too.
In the kitchen, Jim and Virgie get the coffee going, and put out morning snacks. Hot lunches are provided at a minimal cost, prepared by the staff at Stephan Decatur High School, and brought in by the Kiwanis team.
Some days it's just chat and lunch, a place for companionship. The real fun comes from the warmth and nurturing by Shelby and Sylvia, and the wonderful people who take the time to enrich the lives of the senior communityby volunteering. Teddy comes with her guitar, and starts a sing-a-long. Debbie and her husband Les hold weekly Bible study. Nadine and Betty guide crafts. Gloria comes in and does nails. Father Michael and Rev. Baer deliver spiritual messages.
Miracles happen here, too. Funded on a shoestring by Federal, State, the County and private donations, money for extras is always tight. When the ancient copy machine refused to crank another memo, Shelby called a newspaper ad selling a used machine. The seller decided the center needed it more than he needed the money, and donated it instead.
There is a "wish list" of items needed...the center would love a bumper pool table and an exercise bike. Gently used clothing, books, musical CD's and tapes, and VCR movies would also be put to good use.
If you love to sing, or have a special talent, or even just a small dog to bring for pet therapy, they would love your visit. The Senior Center is open Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. The phone number is (410)641-0515, and it's located at 107 Williams Street, Berlin. (directly across the street from the Burbage Funeral Home).
Stop by and meet the family. They will welcome you with open arms, like they did me.
See you next week!