May is Older Americans Month and area “golden-agers” saw the month out in style with the annual Senior Picnic on Thursday, May 28. Folks from Greenville, Georgiana and Fort Deposit enjoyed the morning together in a temporary new location this year. The recent inclement weather saw the party move from Sherling Lake Park to Dunbar Recreation Center.

The day offered the 75-plus seniors in attendance the chance to play bingo and win prizes (and do the “bingo dance.”)

Many also took home door prizes donated by area businesses. Representatives from SHIP (Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program), local home health and hospices were on hand to share information and assist with the activities. Jeddo Bell, mayor pro tem of Greenville, stopped in to welcome everyone and chat with some familiar faces, like that of 92-year-old Noel Cook, former Butler County High football star and longtime “Coca-Cola Man” in the city.

Two “celebrity seniors,” Lodell Freeman and Sarah Nell Jones, who were both trapped in the recent flash flood downtown, shared their stories of a memorable day with the audience.

After joining hands and singing “Amazing Grace,” the seniors enjoyed a boxed lunch with grilled hot dogs and the “fixins.’”

“This is the first time in 20 years, I believe, we have had to move this indoors from the park. But we’ve had good attendance and a very enjoyable day,” said Mary Braden, senior services manager for the City of Greenville.