By Staff
Senior Living
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 68-year-old Helen Hallman. Hallman recently began her eighth year as a Poarch Tribal Council member for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She has done most of her traveling throughout her life with the Tribe. She enjoys watching the news and the hit TV show, "American Idol.")
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Escambia County in Atmore. I was born on July 16, 1938.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Levi and Treacy McGhee. They were from Atmore.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: Yes, Martha Wilson, Deloris Kelley, Velma Crocker, Eldnar McGhee, Myrtis Kinman, Judy McGhee and Eva Burkett.
Q: Where did you attend high school and college?
A: I went to the 10th grade here in Atmore and then I got a GED in 1990. I went to Riley College in Dothan in secretarial and computer courses.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: I travel with the Tribe. I traveled a lot in my younger years. My husband was with the department of agriculture and I worked as a federal and state inspector inspecting fruits and vegetables. I traveled a lot with him and for my job.
Then, I traveled a lot with my second husband because he worked with the Army Corps of engineers. Most of my traveling I've done with the Tribe, though. I just started my eighth year as a Tribal Council member.
I also served on the housing board with the Tribe and traveled a lot with them.
Q: Where was your favorite place to visit?
A: Washington, D.C., there is no hesitation to that question. I enjoyed all the historical things.
Q: What do you do as a Poarch Council member?
A: Everyday operations of the Tribe. We have workshops and special called meetings and then two scheduled meetings a month. We get a schedule and I go wherever I can go.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: I've managed and worked in restaurants. I've done a lot of waitress work and then I had the job inspecting fruits, vegetables and peanuts with the department of agriculture. I worked a short time at Vanity Fair in Atmore.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yes, I was married to Espy Ledon Exum for 14 years. I had three children.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: My children are Cindy Martin, Rodney Exum and Ryan Exum. Cindy lives in Cottonwood. Rodney works with the Poarch gym and Ryan lives in Wetumpka and works with the Tribe.
I have four grandchildren, Trent Jackson in Selma, Amber Spann in Dothan, Jordan Exum in Grand Ridge, Fla., and Christopher Frost in Bay Minette. I have two great grandchildren, Bailey Spann and Haley Jackson. Bailey is Little Miss Cottonwood and she'll compete for Little Miss Dothan in a couple of months.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: I go, but am not a member anywhere. I believe in God and try to live a Christian life but, I'm not a member.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Contact with the Tribal members, talking on the telephone and eating with them.
My work with the housing board also keeps me occupied.
Q: What's your favorite TV show?
A: I watch the news and game shows. I like "American Idol," especially Taylor Hicks.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Eat right, drink a lot of water and get enough exercise and sleep.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Adrienne McKenzie at 368-2123 or e-mail her at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com)