When one reaches senior status, just being able to see another day is cause for thanks.

Being in good health? That’s a bonus.

At least, that’s what some of the approximately 140 people said who gathered Monday for the fifth annual Thanksgiving lunch at the Woodie Fite Center.

Add in the love of family and friends, and many had reason to be thankful this year.

Conchita Hutchison sat at one of the round tables, surrounded by friends and sitting next to her husband, Dwight. She said she is thankful for good health, family and friends.

Mr. Hutchison, in the spirit of political correctness (and coaching from his wife), said he is thankful for — his wife. After a laugh, the retired real estate appraiser added more thoughts.

“I think I have been very fortunate in my life,” he said. “While we are not wealthy, we are able to enjoy life at our age. As my father-in-law always said, if you’ve got good health, you’ve got everything. I’m thankful for everything.”

Mr. Hutchison has been retired for two years, he said, but his wife retired “when she married me 21 years ago. She had a good retirement plan.”

Linda Armour is thankful for the “wonderful career” she had as a history teacher at Newnan High School.

“I had a great time doing it for 36 years,” she said. “I thought I’d never get out of high school.”

Since retiring, she said she has been keeping busy and happy doing volunteer work, spending time with good friends and family and with her church (Central Baptist).

At another table, Shirley Thompson and Shirley Kelly are sitting side-by-side. They are both in and out of Douglas County and felt particularly blessed being here at Thanksgiving.

Thompson is visiting from California. She said she is “thankful that God woke me up this morning, for one thing.”

Kelly, who is from Pittsburgh but spends six months at a time here with her daughter, said she is thankful to be alive and in good health.

At the same time, two men sat next to each, deep in conversation. James Hampton, a retired truck driver, said he thanks God every day. “I got up this morning, didn’t I?” he asked.

Gaylord L. Michel Sr., who is retired from the Chicago Housing Authority and has lived in the county since 2000, was a bit more reflective.

“I’m thankful that I have a good, loving wife,” he said. “I have three fine children and six grandkids and two beautiful dogs (Nero, a giant Schnauzer, and Mimi, a Bichon).”

Across from them, Ingrid Clapp, a radiology tech who retired from WellStar Douglas five years ago, is thankful for the Woodie Fite Center. She said she comes to the center often, and plays a mean game of ping-pong.

“I’m thankful for being here, sharing all the senior life,” she said.

Patti Mason said she is also thankful for the center, which opened in 2004, but she said they need more space.

“We need for it to be bigger and more space, because we’re overcrowded,” Mason said, “It’s great to meet all the new people that come in and enjoy all the activities that I’m still able to do. It’s just a great place.”

Kathy Hawes, office manager for the center, didn’t hear the part about needing more space. On this day, tables are set up in just about every room, with one long one groaning under the strain of so many potluck dishes. But Hawes is thankful.

“I’m thankful for my family, that all of us are in good health, life and strength. I thank God for that,” she said.

Dolores Hook, a volunteer and member at the center is most thankful for her family and that she is “feeling good” after coming through an operation. She is hoping that the new year will bring continued good health and a job for her son. Hook taught school for 37 years and worked concurrently in real estate for 25 years.