The Beat Goes On, by Alan Lowe
T wo days ago, on January 8, 2020, we joined together to commemorate the life of a man who marches to his own beat.
O nly a very small percentage of those in the U.S. have reached 100 years of age—a tremendous feat.
N one, however, has performed so elegantly on life’s stage, as the man we call “Stix.”
Y ou had to be there on the eighth to appreciate what he is able to do with his magical drum sticks.
S tarting at age 10, ninety years ago, Tony chose the drum as his instrument to play.
T hrough the years he has entertained family, friends, and even those he didn’t know, in a very special way.
I had the pleasure of meeting him at a Rotary meeting about eight years ago.
X traordinary was the word I attached to this financial manager and musician I would get to know.
B ut it was on the eighth, at the Gladding Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, that it became clear what he means to you and me.
E ntering the beautiful social area, decorated with colorful balloons and those that denoted one hundred years, he smiled and greeted us with glee.
L ooking out from behind a drum placed in front of the room, he picked up his sticks and began to play.
L eading a band of one that seemed like more, he became the entertainment at his own party that day.
A man with a contagious smile and a heart of gold, he took the audience by the hand.
C aring invitees then spoke about this wonderful man’s way of giving to his country, family, and friends for all to understand.
E ach and every person in the room enjoyed the good food and cake, as they helped Tony celebrate.
R eaching “100” is an accomplishment of note, but doing it in “Stix’s” style is something we would all like to emulate.
A s the beat goes on, we wish Tony many more years in which to entertain those in his audience and receive their cheers.
By Alan Lowe
January 10, 2020
