Dark clouds and drizzle did not damper the spirits of hundreds of seniors last week who braved the elements to attend Chesterfield’s Annual TRIAD Senior’s Day.
Motorist Assistance Gilbert Lewis provided traffic control and answered questions at his post adjacent to the church driveway and parking lot, he is already seasoned on helping others. “I’ve been with Motorist Assistance for three years plus now,” Lewis explained, a smile beaming from his friendly face. “I wanted to be an Auxiliary Patrol Officer but couldn’t because of my age. That’s okay, this is the next best thing and as close to being a police officer as I can be. I really like doing these events and helping people out.”
The event opened with a stirring patriotic and uplifting ceremony. Speakers addressed the group on volunteering among other senior activities.
Referring to seniors and other volunteers, Steve Elswick, Chair of the County Board of Supervisors, said, “Because of volunteers the worth of savings is about $3.5 million.” Elswick then shared his appreciation for the seniors. Looking out in the audience, Elswick said, “Thank you for showing up and letting us be a part.”
Sheriff Karl Leonard remarked, “In this stage some need help to get along. We want to give back to you.”
Lt. Col. Brian Smith, Chesterfield County Police Dept. said, “TRIAD has a positive impact on the community. Thanks on behalf of the police dept for all you do.”
Throughout the changing up of speakers, MC Parney (Todd “Parney” Parnell) kept the audience laughing. As VP and COO of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Parney, as most call him, has plenty of experience with pleasing crowds.
In a lesson in “Cane Fu” and offering other self defense advice, Newport News Community Resource Officer Vickie Gaffney suggested how to use items at hand like a cane or walker, even a water bottle to defend oneself or deter an attacker. Standing in front of the auditorium she demonstrated some moves and said, “Don’t tell your attacker what you are going to do, just do it.”
Door prizes were given away as Parney had another chance to ham it up. As Parney stood at the podium, the excited seniors listened carefully to see if their ticket numbers were going to be called. Parney jiggled a set of keys. “First thing we are going to give away,” he said, “is a car!” As the audience looked surprised, he laughed and said would the owner of a 2015 Nissan please come get your keys. The owner retrieved the keys, the audience broke into laughter and the give-aways began.
At 11 a.m., professional singer and regular cast member of The Old Dominion Barn Dance, Lynne Carnes, serenaded the crowd with Patsy Cline, Elvis, the Carpenters and more.
“I began my career singing at two years of age at Bellwood Baptist Church,” Carnes said. “My family and I sang together. Just recently my two brothers and I had a reunion and sang together, it was the first time in 40 years we had sang together.”
The special day came to a close and after a Benediction by Lt. Jason Elmore, the seniors headed homeward pondering all they had seen and heard.
For more information on TRIAD: Sheriff’s Office, Community Relations Office (804) 717-6266.
