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Senior Singer
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A Texas man says he’s found a cure for the blues—singing. At 97, I.B. Foote is the oldest, and still one of the most active choir members at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. And while he’s singing, he’s also helping the younger generation. |
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SCRIPT:
Natsound: choir sings
I. B. Foote / Foote Crusaders Choir: “It lifts my spirit.”
He’s 97 years old. But I.B. Foote seldom misses choir practice. After all, the Foote Crusaders Choir is named in his honor.
I.B. Foote: “Sometime I’m even lying in bed and if I feel the spirit to sing, I sing.”
This United Methodist choir does more than make music. It’s raised thousands of dollars for college scholarships.
I.B. Foote: “If you have an education, it helps you to face life.”
Amber Long / Scholarship Recipient: “It means that they know that I’m going to make something of myself and they trust me to do a good job.”
Foote still works part-time at the National Motor Club of America. He’s in charge of light maintenance … and employee inspiration.
Co-worker: “You look real nice.” Foote: “I do? Well, you know, you look like a teenager.” (Laughter)
The company matches what the choir raises for scholarships. Younger members of his choir have trouble keeping up with Mr. Foote.
Wilton Hollins / Music Minister, Hamilton Park United Methodist: “I am maybe a quarter of his age and I get tired. So he’s truly an inspiration to us all.”
He’s lived through 18 presidents and one Great Depression. And this nonagenarian shows no signs of slowing down.
I.B. Foote: “My doctor told me, he says, ‘you’ll live to be 100 years old.’ I said, ‘well, you’re saying that, but I’ll leave that in God’s hands.’”
TAG:
Mr. Foote says he tried to retire from his job several years ago because he got tired of driving in heavy traffic. But his company talked him out of retiring, and now sends a cab to pick him up.