In 1984 many of us ‘Seniors’ got together to form our own group at Old Fort.  After meeting once a month for several months but not having much success at getting the group organized, Eli Callahan went to Randy, who was a new staff member, and asked if he could possibly work with us or at least get us off to a good start.  Randy agreed to help and he has been ‘stuck’ with us since that first meeting.  We’re very thankful that he agreed and has been leading us since then..

Our Young-At-Heart (YAH) group has continued to grow steadily throughout these years, forcing us to change meeting locations three times. The YAH is a little different from most church-related groups in that you do not have to be a member of Old Fort to join.  In fact, over the years we have averaged about one fourth of the YAH membership from other churches in the area..

Our group has had a variety of interesting guests over the years.  Doctors, local TV personalities, law enforcement agents and firefighters, various singing groups, our own staff members and folks with other interesting occupations are just a few of those who’ve been to our meetings.  And of course, we enjoy our time of games, fellowship and the great food everyone brings to share with each other.

Each monthly meeting is special, but two months during the year really stands out. In July, Randy helps us put on an old-fashioned celebration by grilling hot dogs while we bring the fixin’s.  At times he is even able to get other staff members involved.  Then in December, Randy and Vicki host the meeting by cooking turkey, ham and dressing while again we bring the fixin’s to make the full meal.  This meeting started with them inviting the YAH to their house.  After we became too large for the inside we moved to the garage.  And finally, we had to move our December meeting back to the church due to our growth.  Randy and Vicki continue to do the cooking, decorating and entertainment at these meetings.  What would we do without them?

Eli Callahan was the first YAH President and served several years.  Other YAH Presidents have been:  Laurie Burbage, Matt Nelson, Martha Skinner, Ernie Dodson, Lewis Carroll, Wilma Brooks, Shirley Dukes and Linda Nichols.

One of the greatest benefits of being a member of YAH is the many trips we have taken during this past 20 years.  We strive to include both ‘day trips’ and ‘overnight trips’ each year.  We’ve traveled to places that most of us would not have been to on our own.  We’ve covered the sights and sounds in Branson, MO and New Orleans, LA.  We’ve seen exciting and interesting places in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania,  and Washington, DC.  There have also been a couple of cruises scheduled.  We were on national TV one time in Nashville!!  Our day trips are mostly within South Carolina, but they are just as much fun as the longer trips.  

In the fall of 1997, Shirley Dukes, our YAH President at the time, had ‘a dream’ of the YAH starting a Senior Adult Choir.  The first meeting had a dozen interested people where they chose the name “Joy Singers” for the choir.  From there the choir has grown to over 30 singers who have been led by Sarah Timm since 1999.  During this time the choir has presented an annual musical/drama to the church, led the congregation on Senior Adult Day and ministered in the local nursing homes.  They’ve even been invited to sing at other churches and also at the Middleton Place Christmas program designed around a live Nativity scene.  

In December, 2003, Randy began a Senior Adult Bible Study. The study is well attended and the subjects are always interesting. For more information, check out the YAH brochure available at the welcome center. 

All in all, Young-at-Heart has had a great 23 years and we look forward to many more of fun and fellowship.