Seniors Manassas: Loss of a good friend

The Happy Hoofers had some sad news this week. Adele Inks, our dancer emeritus, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 96. 

Adele, a retired schoolteacher, was one of the original Hoofers when the group was formed 26 years ago. Over the years she was one of the star performers, as well as doing choreography. 

Adele was a delightful as well as talented person. The rest of us were always amazed at how lovely she always looked. Her hair, makeup and nails were always perfect.

As recently as four months ago she was able to take part in occasional shows. We were always pleased to have her and it was always a thrill for the audience.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Roy, her daughter Judy and her four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We will miss her very much, but she will always be in our hearts.

Missing friends

It seems so quiet at the center since the transportation program has been reduced. For many seniors it means not getting to visit with friends or taking part in programs they’ve enjoyed so much.

This program was never completely free — riders paid a set amount each day — but it was not enough to cover maintenance and other costs associated with the program.  Everyone is hoping that as the year progresses more financial help will become available for senior transportation.

New book

I have some exciting news to share. My daughter, Susan, who lives in Kuwait has written, and had published, a children’s book. It is now being printed and I look forward to getting a box of books soon.

Printed in both English and Arabic, it started as a project for a children’s program she designed as part of her job, and as she says “it just snowballed from there.”  The artwork is by the daughter of a good friend, who happens to be Iranian. Sue even made her nephew, Emmett, a character in one of the stories. 

They got some advanced copies of the book last week and she happily exclaimed over the phone — “it looks like a real book.”  I asked her what she expected it to look like and she just laughed. 

The whole process has taken just over a year and she says one of the benefits is that she has learned patience. Like the Library of Congress number that appears in all our books here, the longest wait was having the book approved by the government and given the official Kuwait Library number.

Get on the bus

Genie Lee is sponsoring another of her wonderful trips to Harrington, Del., on July 6. The bus will leave Manassas at 7 a.m. from near the McDonald’s on Liberia Avenue and return in late afternoon.

Movies, door prizes and bingo will be enjoyed on the trip. To make a reservation or for more information, contact Genie at 703-492-0075.

The Manassas Senior Center is at 9320 Mosby St., Manassas. Call 703-792-6405.