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Poll

Do you support the proposed Master Plan for Pensacola Beach

Yes, I'm all for it

Yes, but it needs some tweaking

No, it's too expensive

No, leave the beach alone.

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Senior Scene

It was in sixth grade, in Mr. Lieberman's English class, that I finally began to enjoy poetry. He introduced us to what, I suppose, one would call "free verse." That's when I first discovered that poetry does not necessarily have to rhyme.

Each week we were given a poem to memorize, which would be recited in our last class on Friday afternoons. After that the blessed schoolfree weekend would begin. Most of us were able to escape being called on for a contribution if we slumped in our seat or tried not to let the teacher catch our eyes.

As I looked and smiled toward a girlfriend across the room, Mr. Lieberman saw the smile and promptly called on me.

"Bette, please come to the front of the class and recite the last poem we have time for before the dismissal bell rings."

I stood before the class and began, "Somebody said it couldn't be done/ but he with a chuckle replied/ Maybe it couldn't, but he wouldn't be one/ that would say so, 'til he tried./ So he buckled right in, with a trace of a grin, and tackled the thing that couldn't be done/And he did it."

When I finished, the class stood up and clapped. I was thrilled. I'm not sure whether it was my rousing rendition or the fact that school was over for the week. But I was sold on poetry from that day on.

*****

If you belong to Baptist Healthcare's Golden Care Club for seniors, you know that you look forward to the monthly meeting held at the Gulf Breeze Hospital. Many of us count on the monthly blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, and we also appreciate the varied topics, interesting speakers and timely programs.

Meetings are held in the hospital cafeteria, and the screenings take place from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m., followed immediately by the meeting or speaker. A continental breakfast is always served.

There will be no July meeting, but in August, they will begin the program again, so get ready. For more information, call 469-2356.

*****

Here's some happy news for fellow seniors the automotive industry has discovered us. Designing cars for those 50 and well above 50 has become critical, since that age group has the money to buy higher-end vehicles.

Auto industry studies show that 45% of car buyers over 50 have incomes of $75,000 or more, and by 2020, there could be more than 116 MILLION car buyers in that age group.

You may think that baby boomers are the fastest-growing age group, but according to the Census Bureau, the fastest growing segment of our population is folks over age 85. That population group is expected to quadruple by the year 2040.

Well folks, I don't expect to be here then myself, but it's nice to imagine those white hairs and bald heads gleaming in the sunlight as they drive away in their brand new convertibles!

***** This is a remark from some unknown old grouch who never was chosen to be on any team:

"Popularity is the hallmark of mediocrity."

See you next week!