Anyone who listens to the radio in the summer is bound to hear a classic Jimmy Buffett song. His signature laid-back, storytelling, island tunes are timeless, and can bring out the 21 year old in all of us, inviting us to feel a warm coastal breeze, taste a frosty margarita, and just chill out on a hot day.
Jimmy said it best when he wrote, “I’m growing older but not up.” For those who agree, Member of the Month George Emery has Parrot Head Club applications at Wayside’s front desk, and invites you to join him and over 700 others who agree with Buffett.
What is a Parrot Head Club? According to the official Jimmy Buffett web site, he describes them as “local clubs with thousands of people across the country banning together to positively affect their communities under the Parrot Head moniker.” “My interpretation is that they are basically pretty normal people with a slight strain of insanity in their makeup.”
George has been a member of the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts for over 20 years, and has attended between 80 – 90 Buffett concerts over the years. “Our club meets on the first “Thirstday” of every month, usually at TJ’s in Ashland. We have a lot of fun, and also raise funds for the Special Olympics,” says George.
George is new to Wayside, joining last fall to play tennis. “There are “senior” members and “elderly” members,” said George at the recent Wayside Annual Senior Health and Fitness luncheon. “I’m a senior,” he proclaimed with pride.
Born in Roslindale, George graduated from Dartmouth College. He was a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces during the Berlin Wall construction in the early sixties, and later served in Vietnam. He is also a retired Coast Guard auxiliary member.
Returning to the States, George worked for over 30 years in the Boston Public School system in various roles such as pupil adjustment and rehab councilor. He has five grown children and numerous grandchildren.
George moved to Sebastian, Florida with his wife, and recently returned to Massachusetts with his trusty dog, Fred following his divorce.
George is always open to new experiences, and enjoys talking with new people, and visiting clubs to listen to local bands and performers. He also travels, and noted his trip to Madrid, New Mexico where he watched the filming of the movie “Wild Hogs.”
George’s senior status doesn’t slow him down. He plays tennis every Thursday with his Men’s group, and participates in Wayside’s monthly Social Mixed Doubles Tennis events. He also enjoys Steve Cannon’s kickboxing class.
When asked if he had any wisdom for Wayside members, George responded, “Age is only good for wine and cheese.” Spoken like a true Parrot Head, Jimmy Buffett would be proud!