Saturday at The Meeting Place

Boy Scouts, Blues and Mr. Sun

NEWPORT – When John and Fred Prue, known as Prue’s Blues, sang “Mr. Sun”, a song their father wrote, and when Fred Prue, Sr. with assistance from his daughter, got up to dance to his song, it was an emotional moment for everyone. But living for the joy of every precious moment is what it’s all about.

The Meeting Place usually hosts a smaller group on Saturday. But not this week. Fred Prue’s boys were coming to entertain, and about twice the normal Saturday group wanted to take part.

Eric Smith, The Meeting Place cook, made homemade clam chowder and served it with sandwiches and gingerbread to over thirty people, including guests. Caregivers Darlene Baraw, Heather Lehoullier and Keisha Sprague helped get seniors set up, served lunch and took care of other individual needs. The staff also got help from Boy Scouts Aaron and Benjamin Barrup of Troop 804 in Newport who visited with seniors, cleared away dishes and moved furniture.

John and Fred Prue, who traveled up from their homes near Boston, started out slowly, warming up the crowd, just as they did years ago when they warmed up for soul singer, James Brown. Bill Page of Westmore sat and clapped to the blues rhythms. Clarence Maker of Newport got up and urged others to join him. Around the room, feet were tapping.

As lunch was finished and tables moved out of the way, the dining room at The Meeting place became a dance floor. The music continued until 2:00, and then, with RCT buses waiting at the back door, the crowd started to disperse. “This is what it’s all about,” said Debra Hunt, President of NEKHC, who finds herself reacting with emotion to the positive event. “I am so proud,” as she sees her staff create another magical day.

The Meeting Place is a Vermont-certified adult day program operated by Northeast Kingdom Homecare, Inc. The program is open from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm, weekdays, and from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on Saturdays. Operated by Northeast Kingdom Homecare, Inc., the company also provides in-home care to help seniors with housework, personal care, and companionship for as few as three hours a week, to round-the-clock service. For more information on NEKHC’s caregiving services, call 334-7604