Published 11:00pm Friday, May 25, 2012

Each year, the month of May is proclaimed Older Americans Month throughout the nation. And, each year, the Administration on Aging develops a theme for the month. This year, the theme is Never Too Old to Play.

So, the seniors at the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center in Troy, laughingly, said they saddled up their Charlie horses and hit the happy trails for a play day.

Hassie Green, Center director, said the participants all grew up playing cowboys and Indians so they were encouraged to dress in western attire for play day at the Center on Thursday.

The men chose Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy as their favorite cowboys with Gene Autry, the singing cowboy, coming in a close third.

Two-Gun Charlie Terry said Hopalong Cassidy was his all-time favorite. His choice had nothing to do with Hoppys gray hair, only with his ability to catch the bad guys.

However, Two-Gun had difficulty getting his guns out of the holster. So, the other cowboys kidded Two-Gun that he might want to change his name to Barney Fife

As for the cowgirls, Dale Evans was a hands-down favorite followed by Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane.

I admired the quality relationship Dale Evans had with her husband, Roy Rogers, Dorothy Belcher said. They always did the right thing and thats why I liked her so much. She and Roy Rogers were good people.

Essie Merriweather said Annie Oakley was her favorite cowgirl because she could ride like the wind and shoot a gnat in flight.

Original post:
Nutrition center playtime features cowboy, cowgirls