Nutrition Center clients celebrate holidays together

According to Mr. Webster, there are nine definitions of the word, “family.”

But the clients at the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center in Troy have a tenth definition, “us.”

The clients are, to a one, family.

“Here, we are family,” said Hassie Green, Center director. “We spend a lot of time together and we get to know each other and we become like family. We care about each other and we look after each other. That’s what families do.”

And, families celebrate together. So on Thursday, the Nutrition Center clients celebrated the Christmas season together the old-fashioned way, with a potluck dinner, singing and dancing and in that order.

“Each year, we have a Christmas party and it’s a highlight of the year,” Green said. “Our clients love to dress up and come together in fellowship. There’s no exchanging of gifts. There’s no need for that. We just enjoy a time of fun and laughter as we celebrate life and reflect on the real reason for the season.”

Each client contributed his or her favorite dish to the dinner and Lige Hester, back by popular demand, provided the musical entertainment.

And, among the clients, stories were shared.

Thomas Johnston stopped to ask who remembered WLAC and the Randy’s Record Shop broadcast live from Nashville.

“We listened to WLAC all the time ….” And that’s the way memories were stirred at the nutrition center’s Christmas party.

“We have such a good time here and we invite all seniors over the age 60 to join us,” Green said. “There is no income requirement. If you want to be a part of an extended family, we will welcome you.”

Green said there is much to do and much to enjoy at the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center.

“On Mondays and Thursdays, we play Bingo. Tuesday is game day and we also have programs on health issues,” she said. “On Wednesdays and Fridays, we have senior choir. Every day, our clients can play Wii, Rook, dominoes and checkers.

“And we take trips to various places like the zoo, storytelling events, plays and sometimes we go fishing. We have a good time doing whatever we are going at the time.”

For more information about the nutrition program in Troy or to enroll, call 334-566-0201.