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Muleshoe folks not only shared their pride of country this past weekend at the July 4^th Celebration. They also shared their generosity and support to the Bailey County Senior Center. We want to thank everyone who came to our center and participated. We appreciate so very much this community and the people here who are so willing to make a positive impact for such a worthwhile cause as our center.

                This year’s events started off with a street dance on Friday night. The street in front of our center was blocked off from Avenue C to D. David Dominguez was our D.J. and Kit Diaz and Carlos Contreras were announcers to the participants. D’Dee Ellis provided face painting to the youth. Of course, cold sodas were available as we battled the heat and humidity. A large crowd came out to hear the music and enjoy the dancing.

                On Saturday, the lights were on at the center at 4 in the early morning with members working and staff getting ready for their 17^th Annual BBQ Brisket Meal. Our cooks, Marion Dooley and Estella Saucedo always prepare the meal. How blessed we are at our center to have two individuals who are not only great cooks but also dedicated employees and both are a pleasure to work with.

                In fact, our head cook, Marion Dooley was named Employee of the Year by the Muleshoe Chamber of Commerce. She was one of the honorees chosen to judge the floats at this year’s parade. But being the dedicated employee she is, she declined that honor and chose to stay at the center to be sure the brisket meal went off as planned. That is dedication and that is the reason she has been with us for 7-and-a-half years and is now “head cook” and Employee of the Year.

                It all began at 10 a.m. with everyone watching the parade. We always have chairs set up for our seniors to help them comfortably enjoy this annual event. A big “thanks” to the Chamber for a most successful parade.

                Our Senior Veterans had a float in the parade. They should always receive the recognition they so deserve. We want to thank them all for their service and for giving us the freedom we have today.

                We began serving our brisket meal at 11 a.m. and were thrilled to have so many in attendance. According to our Assistant, Kaci Lee, who handles all tickets and monies—we served a total of 276 meals.

                After the meal we had a raffle drawing for two Craftsman lawnmowers, a Craftsman edger, and a Craftsman cultivator. Winner for each of these were:

1. Mike Slaydon

2. Darlene Pierce

3. John Saylor

4. Nikki Atkins

Congratulations to all of them!

                Following the raffle, a live auction was held for bake goods that were all home-made by our seniors. We auctioned off a total of 40 items. Our members come through every year with this project, providing numerous cakes, breads, cookies, candy and pies!

                In addition to all of this the Muleshoe Pickers entertained us through the entire day: if you haven’t heard this group, come out to our center the next time they perform. Everyone enjoys their music.

                Finally, we want to give a special “thank you” to Stacey Conner who kicked off the event by recognizing our board of directors, volunteers, and donors who helped make this a successful endeavor. Stacey also gave an opening prayer for the meal.

                I strongly believe God created us for community; to be dependent upon ourselves, to provide help for others, and to trust in and care for those in need. This Muleshoe community has truly been there for us the last three years. They have helped us in times of need and times of celebration. Because of this community’s generosity, our seniors have a place to fellowship, exercise, participate in games and activities, and daily enjoy a healthy, tasty meal.

                As most of you know, I will be leaving the center soon to go on to new adventures. I won’t be leaving Muleshoe anytime soon. I have claimed it as “my” community. I will never forget all of you who have helped in making our Senior Center one of the best in the state and in making three years of hard work a great pleasure and much fun.