Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker, right, points to a winner at Friday’s annual Christmas party for seniors at the Cullman Civic Center. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN – Approximately 850 Cullman area seniors braved the rain to pack the Cullman Civic Center Friday morning for the Cullman County Commission on Aging’s annual Christmas party. Santa and Buddy the Elf greeted the partygoers and a live band played country and bluegrass favorites.
Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker was all smiles as he watched the guests dancing, laughing and having a good time.
“Celebrity” servers for the lunch included Holly Pond Mayor Bill Oliver, Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett, Rep. Randall Shedd, Vinemont Mayor Reggie Dodson, Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker, Commissioner Garry Marchman, Commissioner Kerry Watson, Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar, Cullman County Circuit Clerk Lisa McSwain, Cullman City Councilman Johnny Cook, Dodge City Mayor Tawana Canada, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Communications Director Bradley Williams, Cullman County Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas, and several others, all of them donning red aprons to help serve the seniors.
Door prizes were given to the oldest veteran in attendance (97), Cullman’s state Senior Games winners, oldest man (97) and woman (93), and longest-married couple, married for 80 years.
Drawings for door prizes had everyone on the edge of their seats waiting for their number to be drawn. The Rowdy Bunch from the Hanceville Senior Center had a lot of fun. Dressed in matching shirts and festive elf hats with elf ears, the Rowdy Bunch loved watching everyone as their numbers were called, but one lovely lady added, “I just wish everyone could win!”
After dozens of prizes were given, the big prizes were brought out. Gloria Williams of Freedom Insurance Agency donated two $250 prizes and one $500 grand prize. Another special prize was a 50-inch Sharp flat screen television.
Vera Robinette of Cullman won the TV, laughing, “I guess I have an older television for sale now!”
Jane Clark of Cullman won the $500 grand prize. She was excited to share the moment with her friends Cookie Day and Judy Nelson.
An ecstatic Clark said, “I’ll be able to put a few more gifts under the tree for my seven grandchildren. I’m going shopping.”
Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
