The Herald-News - News Story

When the Senior Lighthouse Center residents' bus broke down on the way to the port, their cruise ship almost sailed away without them. Thankfully though, they're now savoring souvenirs and suntans from a weeklong vacation in Latin America.

The Senior Lighthouse Center is a nonprofit organization free of charge for members ages 60 and older. The center is located in Spring City and is operated by directors John and Helen Martin.

On Valentine's Day, nearly 20 seniors from the center embarked on a weeklong cruise that took them to Costa Maya, Mexico, Santo Tomas de Catilla, Guatemala, Belize City, Belize, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Setting sail from New Orleans, La., their Norwegian Spirit ship took anchor in the various ports, where the seniors spent the days touring ancient ruins, shopping, tubing, deep-sea fishing and riding on riverboats.

"It was some trip," said Helen Martin.

Helen said most of the seniors had been on cruises before, but she and her husband have been on a whopping 42 cruises together, going from Alaska to Catalina to the Mexican Riviera.

"Once you go on one, it spoils you," laughed Helen.

On this particular cruise, the residents watched nightly shows on the boat, including one choreographed show complete with magicians, acrobats, comedians, dancers and singers.

"We saw fantastic shows," Helen said.

And to top it off, the seniors got to take back special souvenirs to commemorate their voyage. One man even brought back a carton of cigarettes at half price to give to his friends back home, remarked Helen.

John Martin said he and his wife love giving the seniors opportunities to enjoy themselves, whether in Tennessee or on the sea.

"Back when the seniors were growing up, they didn't have money to go on vacations, so I think it's time to give them that," said John. "They deserve it."

The Lighthouse Center offers activities at least five days a week, including bingo, Bible studies and music days. They also take regular trips to Shoney's for a discounted senior breakfast and are planning overnight visits to places like the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

"We have a good time - we pray for everybody and hug everybody," said John.

For more information on the Senior Lighthouse Center, call 365-7475.

Michelle Friesen can be reached at michelle.friesen@rheaheraldnews.com.