Seniors gathered for the 44th Annual Golden Years Celebration on December 18th. |
Capitol Broadcasting Company and WRAL-TV have proudly sponsored the annual event since its inception. This year, Harris Teeter Stores came on board as a principle sponsor to help make the holiday meal possible. As always, the Raleigh Parks & Recreation Department helped coordinate the celebration, as the organization is an integral part of managing the forty Golden Years Association Clubs in the Triangle.
A veritable banquet of talent took the stage as the attendees dined. As always, CBC retiree Ray Wilkinson began the afternoon affair with a few Cecil & Leonard jokes. WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan & Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel emceed the program and, by special request, Fishel joined the entertainment by playing “White Christmas” on his tuba. AJ Fletcher Opera Institute singers Lucy Tucker Yates and David Schmidt treated the crowd with holiday music and the Tapestry of Ligon G.T. Middle School tapped their way into the seniors’ hearts. Vicki Marie Thomas sang a few inspirational tunes and the Casablanca Orchestra wrapped up the event with Big Band music for dancing and a few holiday tunes of their own.
As a special part of this year’s presentation North Carolina News Network Farm Editor Ken Tanner gave a salute to the Armed Forces, police & fire fighting personnel, with the Raleigh Police Dept. Color Guard presenting the U.S. flag. Tanner recognized the veterans present and all waved flags as the Casablanca Orchestra and their singer, Debbie Bennett, led the crowd in a ringing rendition of “God Bless America.”
The Golden Years Association of the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department sponsors Golden Years Clubs for senior adults aged 55 and older throughout the city. Clubs meet throughout the year and enjoy activities such as hiking, bowling, workshops, trips and a myriad of other activities and special events. Such events include the Golden Years Holiday Celebration, held in the Raleigh Convention & Conference Center Complex.
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