BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Coffee, biscuits and conversation wafted through the Bay Minette Senior Center during the organization’s inaugural brunch on Thursday.

The event drew approximately 15 attendees. According to Senior Adult Independent Living Center Manager Delores Bert, attendance was slightly lower than expected. However, numbers are expected to grow as the event will be held every two months.

At Thursday’s brunch, Bert made her way around to each of the 15 attending, greeting new and familiar faces, inquiring about birthdays and asking for updates on recent illnesses.

“You won’t find a nicer group of people,” she said during the event.

The group consisted of seniors swapping stories of each others’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren, friends and hobbies.

Among them was 95-year-old Anne Howell and her daughter, Madeline Treadwell, who said during the brunch that this was the first social event they’ve attended at the center. However, the pair said they have enjoyed the art classes held at the facility on Thursday mornings.

According to Bert, Thursday’s brunch provides seniors with socialization opportunities “to keep the mind and body active. It’s so important that they stay involved and active at that age.

“When you get to be our age, we slow down,” she said. “It’s important, I think, to involve them in as much as possible. It takes them back and it makes them smile. I just like to bring smiles to their faces.”