Keep Calm, Mental Health

 It was advertised as Keep Calm, Mental Health but, it wasn't at all what I was expecting. Nevertheless, it was still a positive experience. Sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM),  some basic human needs were being offered.  It is my understanding that GBM sponsors this service every third Friday of the month.

  

From their website  ; "Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM) was founded in 1969 in response to urgent human and justice needs in the greater Birmingham area. GBM is a multi-faith, multi-racial organization that provides emergency services for people in need and engages the poor and the non-poor in systemic change efforts to build a strong, supportive, engaged community and pursue a more just society for all people."

Human needs being unmet can cause stress, anxiety and mental anguish. GBM is there to help those in need.  Volunteers and recipients work together to close the gap of these stressors. (faces have been covered for privacy)

Though  food was issued to those in need (not pictured) a food truck was also available.  Voter Registration as well as Covid-19 vaccinations were also available.  The Jefferson County Community Workforce - Senior Division was there along with a representative from Medicare. I've attended some of the programs sponsored by the Sr. Division and have found them to be beneficial.

Good Health To Be Hail  labels itself as,   "Alabama's first fully kosher plant based whole food-soul food cafe"  They are located in Bessemer, Alabama and also house wellness products.

Those are Huge boots 👢to fill.

I made a purchase of vegetarian hotdog, sweet potato chips and alkaline water.  On such a hot day I was able to park under a tree and consume my vegetarian meal. I chose sweet potato chips instead of the plantain chips  because I've had  sweet potato chips before and I like them. The hot dog was a different taste that I'd have to get used to but since I'd had no breakfast, it was good with the stone ground mustard I added.  Alkaline water 😲  I was not familiar with. According to what I Googled it's supposed to act as a pro-antioxidant along with some other positives. Yet, there are those who point out negatives.   

It was hot. 

I was thirsty.

 

I drank the cold water.

 

End of that story

I enjoyed the experience and what GBM represents.

That's it***

MS. SENIOR JEFFERSON COUNTY

The Ms. Senior Jefferson County Pageant was held at Thirgood C.M.E Church. It is sponsored by the Jefferson County Commission and the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens Services.  This is a fantastic organization that has so many valuable resources for seniors .  As a former caregiver I can't express how much of a blessing this organization was for me. Such a compassionate, caring staff with the love and patience needed when going through perilous times.

The pageant was organized by the Director, Janice L. Williams and her staff. The program began with a welcome from the Executive Director, Barbara Shores.

From there MC, Charles Crockrom, Director of Alumni Affairs had Miles College officiated .

In attendance was Beth Vick a former Ms. Senior Jefferson County. Beth entertained us singing,  I Could Have Danced All Night  as she gracefully whirled about the stage.

Beth Vick.  former Ms. Senior Jefferson County

Contestants must be 60 years of age and above.  The competition included contestants presenting themselves to the audience as the MC read  information regarding their hobbies and interests. During the evening wear segment contestants stepped to the microphone and gave their philosophy of life. Various talents were displayed by the contestants.

Contestants

There were three contestants. From left to right; Demetrius Singletan, Janet Roundtree Hudson, Yvonne Bradberry

Contestant # 1, Yvonne Bradberry exhibited her singing talents with a spiritual song. She was supported  by cheers from her friends at St. John Senior Center which she attends.

Contestant # 2 Janet Rouundtree Hudson marveled with her recitation of a Langston Hughes poem. She is affiliated with Senior Employment Training Program

Contestant #3, Demetrius Singletan demonstrated fancy footwork with her dancing skills. She was cheered on by her friends from Shepherd's Center East

Between phases of the pageant other entertainment included musical solos by Rev. Dollie Pankey and dance group Smart Moves.

There were three judges from various senior organizations around the city.

left to right: Demetrius Singletan, Janet Roundtree Hudson, Yvonne Bradberry

After tabulation of votes:

all were winners.

MS. CONGENIALITY: Yvonne Bradberry (third from left)

FIRST RUNNER UP: Demetrius Singletan (first from left)

MS. SENIOR JEFFERSON COUNTY: Janet Roundtree Hudson (second from left)

Ms. Senior Jefferson County will go on to compete in the  Ms. Senior Alabama competition. After the event punch and cake was served.  Such a pleasant event with positive attitudes from contestants and audience members.

THAT'S IT ***