By Staff
Members praise director for her tireless efforts
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
The Hartselle Senior Circle Chapter recently met at the home of Kathy White Goodwin, Senior Circle director, for a summertime picnic and gospel singing with special guests the Serenity Singers.
Approximately 60 seniors attended the annual get-together and enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings and a wide variety of homemade ice creams.
"Ernest Lee did all the cooking and the rest of us just sat under the trees in our lawn chairs and enjoyed each other's company," Senior Circle member Ramona James said. "We also listened to the Serenity Singers and even got to sing a few songs with them."
James went on to praise Goodwin for numerous other activities she arranges for the seniors to take part in, like swimming and exercise classes, meals, bingo and day trips.
"She just opens her home to us all the time, and that means so much," James said. "I'm 68-years-old and Kathy, who's a certified Red Cross swim instructor, taught me to swim in her pool last year. I couldn't stand to put my head under the water before, but now I can swim all around the pool."
James said Goodwin also works hard to see that Senior Circle members take full advantage of their membership benefits while they or loved ones are patients at Hartselle Medical Center.
"Not too long ago, I carried my 90-year-old father up there (HMC) after he had suffered a stroke. Kathy was there within hours wanting to know if we had signed up for the senior benefits at the hospital, like free meals and private rooms and things," James recalled. "She worked so hard to make his stay a nice experience for both of us and I appreciated that so much."
James, her husband, and both parents are members of the Hartselle Senior Circle Chapter.
"Kathy is just a great asset to Hartselle Medical Center, and we love her for that. I know if I ever need anything, even as I care for my parents here at home, that I could call her and she'd be right over. She gives me and so many others the mental support we need to get through difficult times."
James encourages all area seniors to take part in the Hartselle Senior Circle Chapter.
"I really believe in Senior Circle and I am so thankful for it," James said. "We get to do so many things that we enjoy. Senior Circle has helped me through so much by providing socialization and entertainment. Everyone should take advantage of it. They just don't know what they're missing."
James said she and other Senior Circle members credit Goodwin for the fellowship and support the group has shared.
"She's always got something going," James said. "We get to be with each other in a comfortable environment for a few hours at a time. We're all so grateful for that, and Kathy's the one who makes it all possible."
Senior Circle membership is available to all senior citizens for an annual membership fee of $15.
For membership and event information, contact Kathy White Goodwin at 773-6511, ext. 100.