SENIOR SCENE 1-12-2012

WATCH OUT

THE BAD GUYS ARE OUT

Remember when you were a little tyke and Momma always said “Be good or the Boogie Man will get you”…that was more than enough to get your attention and more than once you went to bed with the bed covers pulled ‘way’ over your head!

Well, today it’s a much different story…the Boogie Man is still out there but this time he is after your hard earned money…big time!

We were pleased and excited to have with us again Aaron Bedingfield, son of our own Gene and Shirley Bedingfield and grandson of Burl.

Aaron is Director of Security at a local bank and is directly and daily involved with the criminal element who seek to wreak financial havoc with the folks in our community.

Those bad guys come at you in a myriad of ways…via computer, telephone, email, snail mail, in person…whatever your most vulnerable point may be!!

But, first, let’s take time out to thank a few folks for all they do for us…Curtis Hanks makes certain the room is ready and available for us…Doyle Vance, along with Mr. Z himself and Lew Dillon, sets up the tables, prepares the tea and coffee…thank you guys…you do a great job of housekeeping!!  Now, back to Aaron and his instruction  for the day…there were several items of considerable interest…

A strong suggestion was to do all your banking on line…in this manner you could check your financial records as often as you like, rather than the normal once  monthly  as we  have done forever and ever…good point!!

Another good idea is utilize a credit monitoring system,  not only to watch for identity theft but also to note when an account is opened under your name by an unknown person  (the bad guy)..

AND, MOST OF ALL, IF A PROPOSAL IS MADE TO YOU THAT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE-WELL IT IS…RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN -IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION…

And if you get a check in the mail you were not expecting…and you are asked to contact “Mr Good Guy”…well, he ain’t!!

On a lighter note…if your grandson calls from half way around the world and says he is in trouble and needs cash NOW…well, let him stay there…!!

Well, you get the pic…until next month…and thanks again, Aaron…

Your Senior Guys and Gals

"This is the Way"

"Dovie's Autograph"

"Just a Sample"

SENIOR SCENE 12-8-2011

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS

Hurray! Christmas is just around the corner and it’s almost “Happy Birthday Jesus” time . . . but, first, a gentle reminder:

Yesterday was Pearl Harbor Day . . .  70 years ago yesterday . . . a day that is enshrined deep in our hearts and memories . . . no doubt some still have loved ones entombed below those murky waters . . . ask John Williamson and Lew Dillon where they were that day . . . both were already on active service that fateful day.

Now, let’s fast forward to today and begin our celebration of the Christmas Season . . . and there is no better way than to have our own Gloryland Transfer guys to sing and touch our hearts as only they can do.

Bro. Wayne Ward and his Gloryland Transfer group were on board with their harmonious voices and lift us up they did. So, first, let us introduce them: Maestro Wayne Ward, Gene Bedingfield, Louis Blosch, Jimmie Neely, John Gregory, Prentiss Wade, Gerald Weems, Dane Cearley, Bob Fisher, and Lew Dillon . . . a motley crew, but we love ’em anyway.

Wayne said he and the group were glad to be back here again at Eastwood Baptist Church. (They also sing at other functions.) They started off with “I’m glad I know Medley.” Next, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” featuring Gene & Wayne, followed by “He Started the Whole World Singing a Song” featuring Wayne.

Remember our own Brother Burl Bedingfield? He sang “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” as a solo for many years, but due to his retirement, Jimmy Neely sang the solo part. What precious memories!

Next, came “It’s Still the Greatest Story Ever Told” featuring Prentiss and Wayne. Then came our all-time favorite, “Silent Night.” (Ed note: The origin of the Christmas carol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1816 by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf, it is reputed that the organ at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of Silent Night (Stillie Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!)

Next, came Eastwood’s and Jerry Rhodes’ all-time favorite “Sweet Beulah Land” featuring Prentiss Wade.

(The Southern Gospel song, “Sweet Beulah Land” was written and composed by Squire Parsons in 1973. Parsons recorded it in 1979. It became the number one Southern Gospel single and received the “Singing News  Fan Award” for Song of the Year in 1981. We know it best as it is sung by our own, Prentiss Wade.)

This was followed by a special favorite, “My God is Real” featuring Gene Bedingfield. By this time, we were all up on the mountain top.

Then, due to requests, the encore and finale . . . “He Started the Whole World Singing” which finished a truly Wonderful time with Wonderful music. Thank You, Gloryland Transfer. We look forward to your next visit!

Door Prizes were won by: Carolyn Holcomb, Zelmer Rock, Gene Bedingfield, Jimmy Neely, Shirley Ward, and Mary Margaret Freeman.

And, just in case you were wondering . . . we did have a few goodies on the goodie table.

For Entrees: we had: Meatballs, sauerkraut & wieners, wieners & baked beans, smoked turkey, smoked ham, KFC chicken, chicken tortilla casserole, and spaghetti & meatballs.

For Vegetables: Potatoes au gratin, green bean casserole, potato casserole, green beans, vegetable medley, asparagus casserole, and sweet potato casserole.

Soup & Salad: Chili, taco soup, Baptist eggs, fruit salad, stuffed celery, pink fluff gelatin salad, and strawberry gelatin salad.

For Dessert: Pumpkin, apple, cookies & cream, lemon, cherry, pecan, and fresh apple crunch pies; chocolate chip cookies, cake assortment, brownies with peppermint, and peanut butter FUDGE.

So, until next month, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and above all, remember HE is the reason for the Season. Happy Birthday, Jesus.

"The Twins, C. L. & Bill"

“Gloryland Transfer”

SENIOR SCENE 11-10-2011

Armistice Day

Veteran’s Day

TAPS

Today we were honored to have as our guest speaker, Mr. John Champlin, Viet-Nam era veteran, and also the current president of the Tulsa Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Mr. Champlin spoke about three heroes of the Viet-Nam War that he served with . . . although he just could have easily spoken of his own patriotic ancestors who served with General George Washington in the Revolutionary War against the British.

Then, we all have a great-grandfather whose brothers fought on both sides of that bloody, but revered Civil War.

Mr. Champlin shared about three special servicemen in his life . . . all of whom served with him aboard his Aircraft Carriers . . . Lt. J. B. McKamey, who was shot down on his 21st mission over North Viet-Nam and served 7 years and 8 months in captivity . . . how great a faith!

Then, there was Lt. Michael P. Cronin, who was shot down on his 125th combat mission over North Viet-Nam. He was held in captivity 6 years and two months.

And then, there was Ensign Wolf who, on his 20th mission over North Viet-Nam, was hit by a 14.5 armor piercing round. Even though  it was a near fatal wound, he managed to return to the carrier, and after numerous surgeries, he chose to return to flight combat status . . . all true American heroes and faithful comrades in arms.

Remembering the veterans who have all touched our lives along our life’s journey, we all have a Mr. Wilson, who lived down the block while we were growing up. Mr. Wilson was gassed by the Germans while serving as an American “Doughboy” with the U.S. Army in World War I . . . never once did we ever hear him complain, even though he could not physically do any job or chore that we take for granted.

Then there was a John, a chubby little guy we teased a bit . . . he played the flute in the high school band. John was killed in action during World War II and is buried in Po Valley in Italy while serving with the 45th Infantry.

And then there was a Leo, an orphan boy who had no family but lived with various town families . . . we played sandlot football with him . . . a real tough guy was he . . . took no “lip” from anybody . . . Leo is buried in Okinawa . . . a fighting Marine of the first order.

And can we ever forget little James . . . all five feet two of him. The Air Force made him a tail gunner on the B-17. One day his plane came back, minus the tail section, and no trace of James . . . another hallowed hero.

And, we should never forget Eastwood’s own personal hero . . .  Major Stowe’s plane went down in flames in Viet-Nam . . . both the plane and the load of ammo they were carrying exploded on contact.

And, as you honor your past and current veterans this Veteran’s Day, remember to give them your heart-felt thanks and gratitude . . . not because they need it, but because you need to do it . . . and remember, to the last heartbeat, each and everyone would do it all over again.

To close, we would like to share a poem that U.S. Army Veteran Charles Michael Province wrote years ago . . .

“It is the soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion.”

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.”

“It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.”

“It is the soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.”

Mr. Champlin, we thank you for those gentle reminders.

Till next month,

Your Senior Adults

"Tom Hamlett"

"Three Amigos, John, Glyn, & Bro. Gordon"

"Bonnie & Clyde"

SENIOR SCENE 10-13-2011

TRIPLE JOY

TRIPLE FUN

TRIPLE PRAISE

Take your pick! Today was the day that blessings came in “Three’s” as our own, “Triplets” brought their special brand of humor, song, and praise to Eastwood’s Senior Adults!

By now, you know that we mean that fabulous trio of Maestro Wayne Ward, John T. Wills, and Jimmy Lawbaugh! And, of course, along with their big, bad roadie, Kyle Spencer!

Special guests today were: Bonnie Beeman (Clyde Jones’ daughter,) Nancy Carter (guest of Frances Gott,) Doris McWright (guest of J. C. Herring,) and Shirley Francis   (J. C.’s daughter.) It was good to see Tom and Linda Hamlett again today . . . we have missed you! And also Elaine Flanagan . . .  she’s a real Eastwood treasure. Welcome to all of you and come again.

It was a good crowd today (around 85 plus or minus) and we really can’t tell you whether we enjoyed the “Triplets” more or the “Triplets” enjoyed being with us. It was a fun time for both!

Just a few of the songs of praise and joy that they sang today. Starting with “In That Great Getting’ Up Morning” followed by that famous George Beverly Shea number, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” Both the tempo and the crowd picked up a bit when they sang, “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor” which is a song written by Nashville great, Johnny Russell.

Maestro Ward followed up with a beautiful rendition of “You Were Faithful Yesterday” and then a real heart-warming version of that Dottie Rambo song, “If That Isn’t Love” . . .  it  was just plain fun watching the toe tappin’ going on.

Much more followed and the finale, of course, was that Bill Gaither number, “Because He Lives.”

Guys we must confess . . . you really aren’t triplets at all . . . you are “One Voice”  lifting God’s praises. We love you and look forward to your sharing with us again . . . and real soon . . . you heah’ that!

And now, to describe the food tables . . . all of ‘em. It would be easier to say “let’s just throw in the Golden Corral, Ryan’s, and Western Sizzler into the mix . . . then go get it!”

What can we say . . . here we go . . . fried chicken (of course,) BBQ meatballs, chicken livers, spinach-ravioli-lasagna, Mexican chicken casserole, sauerkraut and weenies . . . dare we stop now?

Sweet potato casserole, baked beans, baked beans, baked beans . . . asparagus casserole,  bread, bread, and more bread. And, at least a dozen different kinds of salads, all colors, plus those famous Baptist eggs, chili, taco soup, and more salads and keep on eating . . . twelve different kinds of desserts . . . all the way from a lot of calories to a whole bunch of ‘em. You ask, how do we know there were twelve kinds of desserts? ’Cause we tried ‘em all, that’s how. Ha!

Again, we say “Thanks” to the Triplets, Wayne, John T., and Jimmy. You blessed us beyond measure and we appreciate you.

‘Til we meet again,

Your Eastwood Seniors.

"The Triplets"

"They Baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek Last Sunday."

"I'd Rather Have Jesus."

Nora Jones 1-15-1926  -  10-2-2011

SENIOR SCENE 9-8-2011

GEORGE WILAND

A REAL TRIPLEHEADER

Ever meet a guy who could do it all? Well, George Wiland is that guy! Not only is he an entertainer, but he is also a solid lecturer and a very patient counselor . . . and today he was all three wrapped up in one!

Prior to our beginning today, George entertained quite a few with a number of humorous stories and jokes . . . just ask Bob and Doris Lott! His unique background provided us with a varied and imaginative history from which to draw on.

But first, let us introduce you to George Wiland, our guest for today.   George is presently on the staff of our First District Congressman, John Sullivan. His duties consist primarily of assisting the constituency with any needs that occur in solving the seemingly impossible roadblocks that sometimes come into our lives . . . whether it be in the field of Medicare, Social Security, Veterans Assistance, etc. in other words, if you have a problem with any federal agency . . . give a holler!

George, with his background, will work with you to overcome those tasks that sometimes seem too large to overcome.

He has a Bachelors Degree from Oral Roberts University and a Masters Degree in Management from Southern Nazarene University. His life’s work has been that of helping others. We were honored to have him with us today. More later.

But first, a great big welcome to Kenneth Lynn, brother to Vern Lynn. Great to have you with us, Sir . . . come back anytime! And a very special “Miss You” to Nora Jones . . . we love you and pray for you!

George has had an occasional relationship with Eastwood Baptist over the years. A certified voter Registrar, George registered voters at Eastwood a number of years ago during a voter registration period.

Also, George worked on the political campaign of one of our church members several years ago when he campaigned for the First District Congressional seat. We never cease to be amazed how Eastwood Baptist Church has been a part of so many lives in the Tulsa area as well as in the Mission Fields around the world. Thank you, Lord.

As George reached out to us, we reached out to him. After his presentation, he invited us, individually, to bring him any need or question that we had that he might assist . . . well, we took him at his word. Our members kept coming, kept coming, kept coming . . . Veteran questions, Medicare questions . . . you name it, we brought them to him.

George stayed nearly an hour after time to assist and answer questions! Poor Guy! We boxed up his lunch so he could take it with him because we didn’t give him time to eat     . . . but he loved it! And so did we!

Speaking of food, and you knew we would . . . here is just a sampling of what George did not get to eat today . . . fried chicken, BBQ meatballs, fried chicken, potatoes au gratin, fried chicken, creamed corn, corn pudding, fried chicken, asparagus casserole, fresh vegetables, jell-o salad, fried chicken, potato salad, pistachio salad, Baptist eggs, taco and vegetable soup plus a “few” desserts such as:

pineapple-blueberry dump cake, pecan pie, spice bundt cake, pumpkin pie with whip cream, chocolate pecan pie, AND Jack Stegelman’s birthday cake . . . WOW . . . and DID we mention fried chicken?

Again, thanks, George, it was a real Triple-Header today!

Your SAM guys and gals

"George Wiland, Speaker

"George & Bro. Gordon"