St. George's Parish Home sits upon a hill on 18 Secretary Road overlooking the St. George's Golf Course and the North Shore. It is a rest home ran by St.

George's Parish Council.

Inside it is homey and on the old fashioned side. Each resident has a nice small bedroom. There is a large parlour with a piano for everyone to gather and chat.

The cheerful matron, Patience Godfrey advised, "This place for the elderly used to be called the `Poor House'. The name was changed in 1971.'' A visit was paid to three of the oldest ladies and one gentleman.

The oldest person in residence was Mabel Wells who celebrated her 101 birthday on March 20. She enjoys chit chat. Her favourite pastime is sitting off and watching television. She also likes to sit outdoors in the sun, providing it is not too hot. Her favourite foods are french fries and mangoes. "Everybody is making a big deal about my birthday,'' she said.

Kathleen Furbert is age 92 and has 11 children. She looks far younger than her years. "I try to take the best possible care of myself. I do not over indulge, and I eat very well. I love all foods,'' she said. She likes to keep her mind active and enjoys doing puzzles but admits her eyes are failing a bit.

"My husband was a musician and the regiment band master, Ben Furbert. I am in a wheelchair but I still have rhythm, you know.'' Mrs. Furbert says old age is a time to reflect on life and she encourages everyone to live healthy as long as possible.

Dorothy Paynter turned 81 years old January 4 and has resided here for three years. "I don't mind getting old, it is a part of life, she said. Her favourite food is lobster.

The youngest of the group is Thomas Ming age 74. "I used to drive trucks and vans but I stopped in 1980. I like to get out and walk around town square.'' He loves the outdoors and enjoys sitting out in the sun overlooking the hillside. His favourite food is fried fish and peas and rice.

The facility accommodates 12 seniors and presently there are 11 in residence.

They cheerfully concluded that they are looking forward to spring bringing warmer and brighter days. They all appreciate fresh air and sunshine and like sitting outdoors and they welcome visitors. If you would like to visit, please phone Ms. Godfrey at 297-0754.

Golden girls: Meet three of the oldest ladies in residence of the St. George's Parish Home. Left to right: Dorothy Paynter age 81, Mable Wells age 101, and Kathleen Furbert age 92. The home celebrated Mrs. Wells' birthday on March 20 with a birthday cake and all the trimmings.

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