Bradys serve final congregate meal

Shannon and Tina Brady served their last meal at the Carter County Senior Citizen Center Friday, on a morning Shannon described as "peaceful."

The Bradys have been serving sandwiches, soups, fish, meat and plenty of dessert at the center for six years. The couple share a strong faith and said their time there had been an enriching experience. "It's been a wild ride," said Tina.

Kathy Tobin will be taking over as cook starting July 10; until then the senior center will be closed.

The Bradys dressed in matching green and white striped shirts, navy blue pants and black no slip shoes for their farewell. They looked forward to the last time they'd be doing their least favorite chores. For Tina, it was sweeping the floor and table setting. She can now paint her fingernails again and wear her wedding ring more often. For Shannon, the last time he used the basement stairs was a relief.

The things they will not miss are far fewer than the things they will. The patrons they served have become part of their lives. Tina said it's been more of a community service for them than a business. They've become attached to their guests and have been able to have a little fun with them.

Shannon remembers an occasion when Bill Crago asked for a second dessert. He was very adamant about it, so Shannon served him an extra razor-thin slice of cake and a teaspoon scoop of ice cream. "The look on his face was priceless," he said.

A similar prank was played on a man that wanted a beer with his meal. The senior center doesn't own a liquor license, so Shannon filled an empty beer bottle with water and pretended to pop the cap in front of him. The man enthusiastically sipped the beer and said, "That just doesn't taste right."

Their most challenging day was when there wasn't enough prime rib; the weight they'd ordered included the bone, unknown to Shannon. Thirty-four people showed up, the most they've ever had, and they were going to be four orders short. Shannon asked for volunteers to accept the rib part of the roast in exchange for two cheesecakes. This was a popular deal and he ended up not being able to give out the non-ribbed part of the roast.

Friday's meal was a classic: tomato soup, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, Jell-O and fruit. "Either we can feed the multitudes or Delbert Justice can have soup for a couple weeks," Shannon joked.

Their neighbors keep the sidewalk clear in winter and, in exchange, receive desserts. Shannon said the Southeast Electric guys don't mind the extra calories, although, in the offices, there may be more of a mixed feeling. "I know I've ruined several diets," he said.

The Bradys drove to Wisconsin on Monday to see their daughter for the first time in eleven years and their grandson, whom they had only met through video chat online. "It's a long overdue chance to meet him," said Shannon.

Their plans include having a combined birthday for Tina and their grandson, Exavior. Shannon is excited to take Exavior fishing.

With mornings now to themselves, Tina sees house projects in the future while Shannon sees sneaking off to go fishing. Shopping will be different. "We're going to have to stop thinking in bulk," said Shannon.

Correction: The identification of a person in this story has been updated.