The Shepherd Center of Fall River, an interfaith volunteer organization, held its annual Buttercup Tea on May 30, 2012, at the United Parish Church on Wilson Road. Over fifty seniors enjoyed tea and finger sandwiches and the chance to enjoy each other's company for the mid-afternoon affair. The purpose of the Center is to improve the image of aging and empower mid-life and older adults to use their talents, skills and wisdom for the good of their peers, the community and themselves. Volunteers from the Shepherd Center provide friendly visiting to seniors as well as accompanied trips to doctors' offices, shopping and other trips. A volunteer group provides instruction one day a week at Borden East in making prayer shawls for Hospice patients. Other groups include brown bagging and Lifetime Learning presentations during both fall and spring semesters. Click here for a 37-minute video of the event.  Click here for photos of the 2011 event. For more information about the group, e-mail Kathy Brennan or call the Shepherds Center office at 508-678-7575.
 

(Top row, left and center) Board Treasurer Rev. Donald S. Mier of First Baptist Church welcomes the group before asking Pastor Gerard Martel of Grace Gospel Church in Swansea to offer grace. (Top row, right) Rev. Mier thanks Pastor Martel as Board Member Bill Girrier listens. (Row two, left) Shepherd Center director Kathy Brennan chats with the Ferland sisters. (Row two, center) Dr. Betty Sullivan prepares  to serve tea. (Row two, right) Fall River Health and Human Services Director Dr. Henry Vaillancourt talks with an old acquaintance. (Row three) Leah Ferland and Dr. Julie Cleare are introduced by Kathy Brennan and Board President Monica Curhan before the speak to the group. (Bottom row) Board member Joyce Sunderland serves desserts to Irene Hartnett and her friend and then chats with Shirley Dennison. (Bottom row, center) Roland Moses talks about his poetry class that he taught at Lifetime Learning.