The women of Pierce County Senior Center were the winners of a special gardening contest created to honor the memory of one longtime members.
The friendly competition between the men and women of the senior center was the brainchild of Stacey Thrift, Thrift works with Hospice Satilla and visits the senior center each month to spend time with the seniors and lead them in various engaging activities. Earlier this spring, inspired by the late Buddy Floyd, a regular at the Pierce Senior Center who astonished everyone last year by growing a twenty-pound watermelon, Stacey brought the seniors together in a living tribute. Thrift encouraged the group to “get out and get moving”in what she hoped would be a fun and engaging project to honor the memory of a cherished member.
The center’s raised garden beds were recently revamped through the help and support of the county commission with two additional raised beds added. To spark some friendly competition, Stacey divided the seniors into two teams; men versus women.
Each team was given an equal amount of plants and challenged to plant, tend and nurture their crops throughout the growing season. At harvest time, the team that produced the best crops would be crowned Farmer of the Year.
When harvest time came, the competition culminated in a special celebration. Stacey invited Buddy Floyd’s daughter, Hulene, to join in the occasion. The women of the center were awarded a trophy, and all the participants were treated to a pizza party in recognition of their hard work and community spirit.
“This heartfelt gardening project not only nurtured fresh produce but also sowed seeds of connection, shared memories and healing,” said Thrift. “Through community competition, and camaraderie, Mr. Buddy’s memory continues to grow among those who knew him best.”
Thrift also said she would like to extend sincere thanks to Senior Center Director Lynn Platt, volunteer Karen Herndon and the Pierce County Commission for helping make the project possible. “And thank you for letting Hospice Satilla be a Community Partner,” said Thrift.
