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Thursday, June 25, 2009 9:13 PM A tradition in Lucama of food and fun By Janelle Clevinger | Times Staff Writer "I love you for coming," Peggy Beaman said to me Wednesday afternoon as I left the Lucama Community Building, full from a meal of chicken pastry, barbecue pork, coleslaw, boiled potatoes, green beans and mouth-watering strawberry cake. "No ma'am," I wanted to reply. "I love you for inviting me and making this day special for so many Lucama senior citizens." Wednesday was the fifth annual Dail family July 4th pig picking for seniors involved in the Lucama nutritional program. The Lucama congregate site, which is served by the Wilson County Office of Senior Citizen Affairs' home-delivered meals program, has been a daily gathering area for senior Lucama residents who gather for food and fellowship. Each summer for five years, Beaman, her husband Richard, her sister, cousins and everyone's children host a luncheon for the seniors, complete with food, entertainment and door prizes. This year, Beaman and her family recognized two special invited guests: retired Wilson veterinarian Dr. Hugh Bass and his wife, Rachel. Years ago, when he was president of the Wilson Lion's Club, Bass began the club's fundraising efforts to pay for the construction of the Lucama Community Building. "I wanted to let him know what a good time we've had in this building and will continue to have," said Beaman. Bass, now 91 years old, seemed appreciative of the crowd's round of applause for him. Having a facility large enough to feed the dozens of seniors who meet at that site for a daily lunch is a necessity for the program to succeed. And the program is such an important part of these seniors' lives. Herman Bryant, a 79-year-old Lucama resident who has been enjoying these meals for almost six years, said that the nutrition program is a God-sent blessing for him. "It's so nice to have someplace to go and have contact with people so you don't have to eat alone," Bryant said. "This makes even your bad days come out a little better. The fellowship and food is superb." Debbie Raper, director of the Wilson County Office of Senior Citizen Affairs, told the group that they should feel honored and special. "This is the only meal site that does this kind of thing," Raper said. "This is really special that this family does this for you." At Wednesday's pig picking, Peggy Beaman and her family started the event at 11 a.m. with bingo, followed by the delicious meal. Family member Reese Coley, 11, entertained the 64 guests with his singing talents, 12-year-old Summer Lucas led the crowd with the Pledge of Allegiance, and all the veterans in the room were honored. A short skit given by family members recalled Jesus's time on earth was about serving, not being served. Door prizes and other gifts were given to every senior in attendance and hugs were in abundance. On The Map runs on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. If you have a story that you want to share, e-mail jclevinger@wilsontimes.com or call 265-7811. If you have an event that you would like to enter on our community calendar, go to www.wilsontimes.com and click on the link for submitting information to the calendar. |
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