Spot on Senior - Kathleen Spring
“Love is in the air. Every sight and every sound.” The weekend began with a Valentine’s party at the senior center. There was music and prizes, and the crowning of King Dewey Montez and Queen Maxine Harkalis. The seniors had made cards at a craft session on Wednesday and distributed them to their secret Valentine on Friday.
Then on Saturday, the Golden Gang sponsored their first Sweetheart Banquet, open to the public. But it was the local seniors who benefited the most from the event. The officers deserve hugs for providing this service to the mostly single elders who enjoyed a fun evening of delightful songs, including some sing-alongs, a few sassy storytelling bits, and delectable desserts among friends who had stars in their eyes and love in their hearts.
Organizer Vance French broke down the song list into the four traditional aspects of love according to the ancient Greeks which are “storge-affection,” “philia-friendship,” “eros-or being in love,” and “agape-unconditionnal love.” And, people sang along with his “Love Me Tender/Fools Rush In” medley. Lori Bellport, executive director, got everyone to applaud his efforts, saying “You put so much thought into your songs, we thank you.”
Golden Gang favorites Zeke and Janie Little sang songs about true love, including “In my heart you’ll always stay. I’ll prove it a thousand ways.” They joked that they loved singing for the group, because “it was like when we perform at church, where they are forgiving of your mistakes.”
New to the group were Brian Schey and Erin Humphries, who performed jazzy versions of old love songs from the 20s, 30s and 40s. When they warned that their song about Princess Papola who gave away her papaya might be rated “PG,” someone in the audience shouted out that it would be OK to sing the song, “We were born before they rated shows.”
Darlene Godfrey got up and read a recipe for “love cookies,” that included things akin to a heaping cup of kindness. Don Hunt closed the program with funny poems like “Cash for Clinkers (old people),” and sang new and old songs, ending with “Battle Hymn of the Aging.”
The biggest hit of the evening was when the king and queen danced to “You Belong to Me.” The audience both laughed and was touched. It was a lovely sight that no one will forget.RECOGNIZING OLD & NEW
FRIENDS
Welcome to new members Bob and Angie Spence. They are fairly new to Lyons and they love to come every day and talk with new friends. Welcome to Jim Tibbitts, who also comes every day for the food and socializing.
It is sad to report that Roy Ward, 92, has passed away. He and his wife Louise were very active in the town’s youth programs and sports. In his later years, he used to entertain the seniors at lunchtime. Condolences can be sent to Louise at The Peaks Care Center. Additionally, coach and history teacher Johnny Johnson has passed away. It is a sad week for Lyons school alumni.
MARK THESE MEETINGS
Lyons Area Advisory Council on Aging has cancelled their February meeting. Their meetings take place the fourth Thursday of each month. Call Sharon Brammer to confirm (303) 823-6148.
The Lyons Golden Gang meeting is this Saturday at 2 p.m. for officers only. Every other month they have a meeting open to the general membership and the public. Call Mary Hunt to confirm (720) 494-1358.
For history lovers, a community party is being put on this Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Walt Self Center. Speakers will cover Colorado mines, horseshoeing, and what downtown Lyons was like in the 1960s, including the big fire. Call Kathleen Spring at (303) 823-0997.
Lyons Red Hat group is open for one month to possible new members. If you are a woman 60 and over who is active, kind and fun call (303) 823-0997 and join them for a “get to know you” gathering in March.
The Generational Active People (GAP) has worked on some long-lasting projects. They were integral in designing and drawing the mural on the Visitor Center. They also have been a regular contributor to the Clarifier Project. According to the project directors, the seniors were among the first Lyons group who went out and cleaned the cement structure, and they have made dozens of tiles for the walls. This spring they will help with the final stages of decorating the cement walls, through the GAP monthly activities program. GAP meets the first Monday of the month at the high school during lunchtime, and the fourth Thursday in the evening at the Walt Self Center. Call Paula Randazzo at (303) 823-6622. It is free and open to Lyons residents.
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