By Cecelia Campbell Livingston
FCRN Senior Reporter
Last Thursday, July 16, senior citizens were recognised by the Rock River Association, with the oldest honouree being 97 years old. The seniors were recognised for their many years of service to the community.
Conceptualiser and founder of the Rock River Senior Citizens Group, Rosetta Taylor, quoted Tia Walker: “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honours.” She stressed the importance of recognising seniors for their contributions while they are still able to appreciate the recognition.
“We believe in scattering roses. Give them their roses now,” she said to loud applause.
Taylor’s sister, Angela Anderson, gave some insight into how the club was born. She said Taylor was staying with her in the United States at the time when she woke her up and asked if she had been calling her. Anderson sent her back to her room, but Taylor returned and asked again if she really had not been calling her. She then told Anderson that she had dreamed God wanted her to start a church, to which Anderson promptly replied, “Who’s going to preach there?”
Anderson shared that Taylor immediately started buying everything she believed would be needed, including drums and a keyboard, with friends and relatives helping along the way. A few years later, Taylor said the Lord was leading her to start a senior citizens’ group, and the vision became clear that it was to be a group and not a church.
“And the first time she called me, she said she had 40 members. I said, ‘Already?’ She said the need is there. So today, my sister, your actions show the best of human nature. You saw needs in our community, and you stepped up to help. You didn’t do it for recognition or praise; you did it because you care,” Anderson praised.
Taylor, herself a senior citizen, started the initiative before reaching that stage of life and now proudly stands alongside the very people whose lives she has dedicated herself to improving. Through mentorship, lending a helping hand, and helping to care for the village’s children, the seniors continue to make a lasting impact on the Rock River community.
Anderson urged others to follow in the footsteps of those being honoured, whether by giving an hour a week or a day of their time to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Expounding on the Senior Citizens Programme, Taylor said the group provides care packages for seniors, heavily sponsored by Food For the Poor, friends of the community, and the Rock River Police, a group that has never ceased to lend its support. She added that persons who have migrated continue to keep in touch, always looking for ways to give back to the community. Her entire family has also sown to the programme.
“It is not an easy task, but we put God before us in all that we do. Some time ago, I got a vision that I should build a church, as my sister shared. Over the years, I have thought long and hard about it. I am of the view that it does not have to be a physical building. God has spoken to me to serve the seniors in my community, and I will continue to serve the people as best as I can. With God’s help, we will carry on. We will continue to provide for our seniors and treat them well. Our club is now in its 17th year.”
Keynote speaker, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr shared that he has known Taylor for a long time and that she has impacted his life as well. Echoing Taylor’s words that the church is not a building, Charles Jr quoted Ephesians 2:19: “You are no longer foreigners or strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household.”
“The community of Christ has a responsibility in Christ. And so, if you say that you are a part of this church, do your work. Get up, stand up, make your voice be heard. There’s a reason why you’re a senior citizen—you still have a lot to give,” he said.
The seniors received gift baskets, while volunteers were presented with plaques in recognition of their service.
