DADE CITY — On the last Friday of every month, the residents of the Edwinola retirement home gather together in their dining room for a town hall meeting. There usually are speakers from the area, as well as a time when residents can discuss community issues and speak their minds.
"Why can't I get sports on my TV?" one resident asked gruffly at a recent meeting.
"We have every ESPN channel available," said Mark Davis, the Edwinola's executive director.
"What about FSN?" the man asked.
"I've never heard of that," Davis said. And then there was a discussion on what it is — Fox Sports Net — and whether they get it or not. They have tons of channels.
"Just keep clicking up!" a woman said to the man. "Maybe it's there."
They also talked hurricanes.
"We will put the word out when the time comes to evacuate," Davis said. "Don't worry."
Some people in the audience asked if it's okay to evacuate with family members, instead of going with other residents of the home. It is.
One woman looked up.
"If you don't have any other place to go," she said softly, "can we stay here?"
"No," Davis says. "I'm sorry, but if we have to evacuate, we all have to go together."
These meetings help to keep the community together, residents say. New staff members are introduced and awards are announced.
"Our resident of the month is Sharon," said Heather Crowson, the activities director. "She is one of the strongest women I have ever met."
"Awwwww," the group said, clapping.
"So congratulate her when she gets back from dialysis," Crowson said.
They have a bake sale, food drive and silent auction coming up, as well housekeeping and food service appreciation weeks. A volunteer from East Pasco for Obama was the main speaker.
"The McCain people are coming too, so don't get upset," Davis told the crowd. "We give everyone a chance to speak."
The residents are a respectful audience, keeping eye contact and nodding, keeping their personal views private, whether they support Barack Obama or John McCain for president.
The atmosphere of the Edwinola is warm but also reserved, which speaks to its Old Southern history. It was built in 1912 and still has its lovely wraparound porches and columns. There used to be tea dances on the porch with an orchestra.
After the town hall meeting, the residents nibble cookies and other little things and mingle. Mary Peaden, the resident council president, is 74 and has lived here for nearly four years. "We love it here," she said. Everyone kept calling this gathering time "Happy Hour" but there was no booze in sight.
"Some of us are still hoping, though," a woman said as she waited in the line for snacks.
Erin Sullivan can be reached at esullivan@sptimes.com or (813) 909-4609.
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