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LANETT — The James A. Hardy gym was a busy place Friday afternoon. More than 70 people were present for the third annual Senior Fish Fry provided by Mayor Jamie Heard. It had a theme of “Boots on the Ground” and some students from Point University were there to demonstrate line dancing. Several seniors clad in blue jeans and wearing cowboy boots joined them in an impromptu dance-off, and everyone there had a great time.

Amanda Vingers of the East Alabama Area on Aging Anniston office said that she was delighted to see so many seniors leading active lifestyles in Lanett and having lots of fun staying young at heart. She commended Lanett Senior Center Manager Sandra Thornton, Mayor Heard and city employees for doing great work in getting it all to come together.

Some elegantly decorated tables were set up on the gym’s basketball court and each senior present was served a catfish plate with all the trimmings. That was followed by the senior’s choice of chocolate or strawberry cheesecake, downed with Diet Coke or sweet or unsweet tea.

Among those taking part in preparing the food were Police Chief Denise McCain, Recreation Director Trent McCants, Water Superintendent Richard Chapman, Maki Potts, Brandon Bagley and Terrence Flournoy.

Joining Lanett seniors and their guests were some participants in the Valley senior program and Ray Edwards, the long-time board chairman of the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS).

Illya Lawrence, Point University’s vice president of student life and athletics, and Emani Cohen, Point’s student activities coordinator, were also there.

“There are so many people I would like to thank for making this go off as well as it did,” said Thornton. “I definitely want to thank members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the Qui Vive Civic Club, the Lanett Police Department, employees of Lanett Fire and EMS, and our friends from the City of Valley and Point University for being here today. It was such a good day for everyone.”

For the past three years, Mayor Heard has organized a fish fry in late May as a special way to close out Older Americans Month.

Older Americans Month is a national observance to recognize the contributions of older Americans, highlight aging trends and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to serving older adults. The event is led by the Administration of Community Living (ACL). The 2025 theme has been “Flip the Script on Aging,” which discourages outdated stereotypes and celebrates the diverse experiences and opportunities of older adults.