Florala hosts area groups for games

The 2nd Annual Senior Appreciation Day in Florala was filled with bingo and prizes. Estelle Norman has been both years and said she is thankful for events like this because they keep her active and out of the house.

“I usually go to the senior center everyday,” Norman said. “I sew, play bingo and take part in any activities that I can.”

Norman sells quilts that she sews at the senior center.

“I just have a great time doing it.”

Norman graduated from Paxton High School in 1950 and moved to Washington D.C. to work for the F.B.I.

“I was married in 1952, and my husband was in the service so we traveled everywhere,” Norman said. “But we moved back to Paxton in 1988.”

Norman said that she did not stay in D.C. too long and that people are more conscientious in Paxton.

“People are so nice here,” Norman said. “They share and care for each other, so I couldn’t be happier here. The only problem is that there are no shopping malls here, but I can always go out of town for that.”

Norman has five children, seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Sue Brooks, director of the Florala Senior Center, said that 94 people were in attendance this year.

“There were more people here last year, but we had a center cancel at the last minute because of a bus problem,” Brooks said. “But I just love that we are still having a good time and I love that the senior citizens are able to socialize.”

Florala Mayor Terry Holley said that these events are great because the people need to take care of the senior citizens.

“I think we need to go above and beyond for senior citizens,” Holley said. “Anything we can do, we need to do it for them, and for our veterans.”