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Seniors Celebrate an Early New Year
12/31/09 - 06:15 PM
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Jessi Chapin - bio
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click for larger image Bay County, Fla:

As the majority of Americans count down to midnight, for seniors at the Lisenby Retirement Center, 2010 started a little early. 

“Iraq is nine hours ahead of us, so we chose to celebrate at 3 o’clock in the afternoon so we could actually wish our troops a happy new year from there,” said the center’s activities director Jerome Brundage.

With the help of volunteers from Tyndall Air Force Base, they sent well-wishes by phone.

“We were able to call in, get ahold of some of our firefighters in Iraq and just wish them a happy new year in their time zone,” said Second Lt. David Shoanheart.

Party hats, noise-makers, friends and food brought the festivities alive.

“Some of them don’t necessarily feel like they’re at home.  They miss the things that they used to celebrate in their own home environment,” said Brundage, “so we strive to make it as home for them as possible.”

“I always stay up to midnight but this suits me better,” said retired resident Marion Crabtree.

A phone call to Iraq isn’t Crabtree only connection overseas.  She’s one of about 50 seniors who are contributing thank you cards and donations for phone cards with the help of Tyndall.

“I was happy for the opportunity,” she said.

So far about $70 will go toward servicemen, donated by senior citizens- many of whom have an income of just $50 a month.

“It made them feel like they were part of doing something very special for the soldiers who are over there,” said Brundage.

Their generous gesture will ship out next week to help kick off a new year.

User Comments

I would like to thank you for showing this story.  It is quite heartwarming to show seniors for what they truly are.. compassionate people who have years more experience in life than I do.  Lesson well learned.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  01/01  at  08:09 AM
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