On the first Friday of every month, laughter, good food, and great company fill the HC MUD 304 building. That’s when The Golden Jewels and Gents Senior Citizens Club gathers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a few hours of connection, conversation, and community.
Jewels & Gents May 2025
Led by group president Joseph Blow, the club—affectionately known as GJG—began with a simple idea in 2022: bring local seniors together. "On October 6, 2022, a few senior citizens got together at the MUD 304 building and started making plans to start a senior citizens club in this area," Joe shared. By January 2023, their idea had blossomed into a thriving group that meets monthly at the MUD 304 community center on Wellington Parkway.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated leadership team helps make each event possible. “I’m grateful to work alongside a wonderful group of leaders who’ve been with us since the beginning,” Joe said. “Our Vice President, Joyce Cawthon; Treasurers, Arnim Desvignes and Mary Blow; and Secretary, Bernadette Desvignes, have all played key roles in making this club what it is today.”
Each meeting includes lunch, games, and an engaging lineup of guest speakers. "We try to keep guests informed and entertained," Joe said. "We invite speakers with expertise to cover topics like home security, firearm safety, wills and probates, social security, Medicare, and other topics of interest to senior citizens."
Notable past guests have included retired HCSO deputy Jeffrey McGowen, Precinct 4 Constable Lieutenant Tamica Jones, fire safety expert Dwight Allen, and attorney Nekketa Archie, who spoke about estate planning. The group has also welcomed line dancers, poets, Metro representatives, and Medicare advisors—keeping meetings dynamic and informative.
Guest speaker Amanda Edwards, future congressional candidate
The Golden Jewels and Gents also enjoy getting out and about. Group trips have included visits to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg, and a tour of the Lone Star College campus on the grounds of Fallbrook Church.
For members like Beverly White, the group has become more than a social outing. “I enjoy the fellowship of sharing life conversations, laughter, photos, bingo with prizes, and good food with great friends that are like a big family,” she said. “We are a circle of productive friends that respect, appreciate, and support our families and each other.”
From the left: Mary Blow, Shirley Preston, Amanda Edwards, and Joe Blow
At its core, the group is about more than just events — it's about purpose and connection. As Joe explained, “The club is formed to provide an organization where independently minded senior citizens residing in Harris County MUD 304 may share experiences, pursue interests, and contribute to the general welfare of the community. We aim to promote camaraderie, sociability, and wholesome recreation.”
Bring Your Group to the MUD Building
Jewels and Gents is just one of the many ways the HC MUD 304 building is being used to bring neighbors together. The facility is available to rent for residents interested in hosting meetings, celebrations, workshops, or other community gatherings.
If you’re interested in starting your own group or booking the building for an event, please visit our building rental page or contact (281) 587-9000 for rental details, rates, and availability.