Teague Senior News

Vonda Brooke has retired from the Teague Senior Center after serving as manager for the past nine and a half years. The following is Brooke's retirement letter to the Teague Senior Center - July 11, 2016, was my first day working as the manager of Teague Senior Center. I never dreamt of the experiences, memories, and friends I would gain. I have written an article every week for nine and a half years and have missed only three. When I first started, I would handwrite my article and walk down to the Teague Chronicle, then located on Main Street. I would hand the article to Mimi Brown, read it to her, and ensure she could read my writing. Oh my. Occasionally, I would go in and visit, getting opinions and permissions from the then editor, Steve Massey. I could purchase a newspaper from the counter and leave my change. Roger supported me and worked alongside me, filling in as a driver for Meals on Wheels during the week. I was so impressed that the drivers who were there when I became manager had been serving for many years. The Lord truly blessed me with dedicated volunteer drivers to fill our schedule and ensure homebound meals are delivered for Routes 1 and 2. I couldn't ask for better, more qualified, or more dedicated drivers. They have been and still are incredible. I've had the pleasure of delivering meals on both routes when necessary. It's definitely rewarding. We are sometimes the only visitors they see during the day. Many times, I left feeling uplifted and encouraged by those I delivered meals to. Their sweet, kind eyes and soft, appreciative voices will forever stay in my heart. There were many opportunities to help with simple chores, and often during real medical emergencies. I enjoyed watching it grow. I'm grateful to have had such a wonderful staff and team at our Center. They have given so much to help make our activities and time together feel like family. We have been lucky to host many interesting guest speakers, not to mention the adorable pets. I believe the pets held the attention of our guests more than the people did. They were wellreceived, though they didn't stay for lunch. (Not because they didn't want to! ha!) After prayer and much thought, I will retire as Manager of Teague Senior Center on December 12, 2025. I plan to stay on as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, covering Routes 1 and 2 as a backup driver. I hope you will come by, enjoy lunch, and share in great fellowship. I encourage you to support our Senior Center and meet our new Manager. Thank you for all your support and friendship during my nearly ten years as Manager. I am so grateful for the kindness and camaraderie shown to me. I've had the privilege of meeting many remarkable people. Sadly, many of our homebound friends and special guests are no longer with us. It has been a true honor to be part of their lives. There's a special bond with the Senior Center in Teague that will always remain with me. I'm not saying Goodbye, I'm just saying, I'll see you later! Maybe stop by for "Coffee & Donuts!" Thank you to everyone who helped to make my retirement party from the Teague Senior Center as manager, an afternoon to remember. Myself, along with lots of sweet friends and different businesses represented in our community, enjoyed a delicious spread of assorted food and refreshments. The beautifully decorated tables and display of refreshments made for a very festive atmosphere with a Christmas theme was made possible, thanks to Ed and Kit Prasil. Kit donated the beautiful tablecloths, matching plates, napkins, cups and silverware. Everyone, along with myself and my husband Roger enjoyed a pleasant time visiting with friends and recalling memories of our times together at the Senior Center. It was heartwarming to see so many members of our volunteer team from the Teague Center, sponsors for Bingo and special events, drivers for Meals on Wheels and the sweet staff from Fairfield Senior Cen-ter support us. Thank you to Rebecca, Manager of Teague's Brookshire Brothers for the large Veggie and Fruit trays. A special thanks to Erin with Fairfield Nursing Home and Rehab for the beautiful decorated white cake with strawberry icing, the charcuterie board filled with meats, veggies, and fruit, crackers and lots of goodies. A big shootout to Erin Tacker, Crystal Richardson with Bristol Hospice, Mike Necker, Kit Prasil, Aurelia Martinez, Steven Senter, and Chester from the City of Teague, for all of their assistance in setting up. And I thought Santa had lots of helpers! Thanks to Jennifer and Margaret for all of their hard work, making my retirement party a success, to Stephanie, Director of Fairfield Senior Center and her staff, for the two awesome lemon and blueberry cheesecakes, personalized with my initials and a heartfelt thank you to Carla Coffee for the delicious decorated cupcakes. Friday after lunch Margaret surprised me with a beautiful retirement card signed by lots friends from the Center filled with an amazing love gift! Margaret did an excellent job keeping it a secret. Thanks to everyone. She is not only a remarkable volunteer/server, and a dear friend, but has been a blessing to so many at the Center for the last 7 years. We had recently that week, experienced tragedy in our family, and her timing was perfect to express their love and gratitude. We all enjoyed lunch, laughter and warm fellowship together, creating a perfect ending to our week. Thanks for all your support to our Center and the Community. Our prayers and condolences go out to the families who have lost loved ones recently. There is never a time that we're ready to experience losing a family member; although the Holidays seem to make it harder.Wishing you all a "Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!" Thank You All, God Bless You, Always, Vonda Brooke "GOD BLESS AMERICA!"