North Central Planning and Development runs the lunch program for senior citizens each weekday at the Timothy Booker Senior Citizens Center in Oakland. Program director Margaret Scott White said they have openings for new participants. If you are 60 and over and live in the Oakland, Tillatoba, Scobey or Enid area in Yalobusha County, you qualify. It’s Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until noon. Not only is lunch served, but they have some rousing games of bingo and some very interesting programs. For more information, Margaret can be reached at 662-625-0629.
The Oakland School reunion was held last Saturday at the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery. They had a good turnout. Margaret Ross, who graduated in 1950, was the oldest school student attending and her daughter, Martha Ross Smith from Florida, was the youngest one there.
The class of 1966 had the most class members in attendance. There was a moment of silence and a memory candle lit to honor those who have passed away this year. They were Bill Robinson, Phillip Tillman, and Joann Swearengen. Linda Darby was recognized for her retirement from teaching for 54 years! Think of the lives she touched!
The Kids in the Park Back to School Celebration, also Saturday, was a resounding success. Chamber Director Sue Donohue Smith reported that she counted at least 64 in attendance this year. All of the backpacks put together by the Oakland Area Lions Club were distributed and the kids ate and played games and even learned how to play disc golf. Lots of volunteers from sponsors and organizations made this event possible.
There’s something that seems to shift, a rhythm returns, when school starts. I don’t think there is enough praise we can offer for the men and women who dedicate themselves to the education of our children. They certainly don’t earn what they are worth, but, thankfully, those who feel “called” to the field of education continue to answer the call. Thank you to our educators.
The Jackson Clarion-Ledger recently reported that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available to 38 counties in Mississippi. Kids ages birth to 5 can get free books. Dolly makes these available free so that kids get a head start on literacy. Her own father was not able to read and write and she wanted to work to make sure that kids have books in their homes. The program is available to residents of Grenada, Panola, Tallahatchie and Yalobusha counties. To sign up, go to: Imaginationlibrary.com.
Bobby and Sheridan Cook of Fairmount, Georgia, spent several days in Oakland with his cousin, Margaret Ross. He and Sheridan were in town for the Oakland School reunion.
The Oakland Farmacy Marketplace has announced that they will offer 10% off to seniors on Wednesdays starting in September. One more reason to shop at the new grocery market!
Don’t forget to let me know if you have news. Contact me at oaklandareachamber@gmail.com.
