The Tangipahoa Council on Aging Annual Picnic and Walk For Seniors was a wonderful success held at the
African-American Heritage Museum, with lots of food, music and fun. Mr. Delmas Dunn and his staff at the
museum were extremely accommodating and the place is beautiful! Thanks to our sponsors and door prize
donors, more than $12,000 was raised and everyone wore a commemorative tee shirt designed by Ms. Mary McDonald of Independence.
Walkers gathered outside the very hot day, but shaded, to win the prize for the most laps walked. Prizes were given to Mr. Gerald Robinson, 51 laps, the man who walked the most and Ms. Irma James, 64 laps, the woman who walked the most. Both winners are from Independence.
Inside, lively games of corn hole and horseshoes were played with winners being: Women’s winners included Ms. Gail Brown of Hammond, 1st place; Ms. Mary Leon of Ponchatoula 2nd place and Ms. Elvira Wood, Ponchatoula 3rd place. In the men’s division, Mr. Walter Daniels of Hammond won 1st; Mr. Craig Jacobs of Ponchatoula 2nd and Mr. John Febert, Hammond 3rd place.
After several games of Bingo, the Ladies lined up and pranced down the inside walkway showing off their pretty bonnets, with first prize going to Ms. Rachel Ard of Independence ; second prize, Ms. Thelma Barrow of Hammond; and Ms. Helen Owens, Independence taking 3rd place.
When the ladies finished, the gentlemen strutted their pretty legs for the judges, with Winners.
Thanks to the Divas of the South for doing the impossible task of judging included Mr. Mike Reed, Hammond 1st; Mr. William Holland, Independence 2nd and Mr. Ezekiel Landix, Ponchatoula 3rd.
Oldest woman present was Ms. Clara Fultz, 99, of Kentwood. Ms. Clara drove herself from Kentwood to Hammond, pranced up to the front of the room without aid and received her prize. Mr. Wae Wilson of Independence was the oldest man in attendance at 90 years old. They are amazing, as are all of our Seniors!
When the contests ended, a delicious meal of jambalaya donated by Southern Boyz Outdoors, with all the trimmings prepared from each meal site, was enjoyed by all. Help serving everyone was not only provided by
the extremely caring, compassionate Council on Aging employees; but also, the Divias of the South were on hand to help.
After the great meal was served, we were honored with the fantastic music of John Rothermel and Charlene Ennis Shockley-Kelly, who regularly perform with the Mo and Jo Show. They were absolutely fabulous! Some line dancing occurred as well as a fan dance—so much fun!
Sponsors in attendance and enjoying the fun were Hood Memorial Hospital, Higginbotham Insurance and Peoples Health. Other sponsors included First Guaranty Bank, Smitty’s Supply, Inc., House on the Rock Church, Bracy’s Nursery, ACTS, Inc, God’s Storehouse, Advantage Fire Specialists, Divas of the South, Full Circle Title, Gatens Adventures Unlimited, Ponchatoula Family Pharmacy, Paul’s Café, Orange Grove Church of God in Christ, Lemmie Chapman, Constable; Thrift Town Health Mart, Tangi Graphics, Law Office of Cassandra Buter, Cannon’s Discount Pharmacy, The Gagliano Group, The Jo and Mo Show, Southern Boyz Outdoors and Nail Soup Designs. Thanks so much for your support.
Door prizes were donated by many businesses in the area.
We are honored to have had so much help with the fund-raiser and picnic. Council on Aging employees are the best! And are sincerely appreciated.
PARISH FAIR KINGS and QUEENS
Front Row (L-R): Mr. Joe Springer, Independence 2021 King • Mr. William Gray, Independence 2016 King
• Ms. Rachel Ard, Independence 2016 Queen • Ms. Clara Fultz 2023 Queen • Mr. William Cutrer 2023 King
• Ms. Genie Vaughn, Amite 2022 Queen • Mr. Jimmie Vallaire, Amite 2022 King • Ms. Pat Matta, Hammond 2019 Queen • Mr. Mike Reed, Hammond 2019 King.
Back Row (L-R):
Mr. Dawson Primes,
Director Tangipahoa Parish Homeland Security and Pageant Master of Ceremonies • Ms. Debi Fleming,
Executive Director Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging • Ms. Raleigh Marie Robertson,
2024 Tangipahoa Parish Fair Queen • Dr. Bill Wheat,
State Representative • Mr. Robby Miller,
Tangipahoa Parish President.
