Triangle Senior Citizens Celebrate the Holidays with CBC & WRAL-TV

Triangle senior citizens filled the Raleigh Convention & Conference Center for the 45th annual Golden Years Holiday Celebration at noon on Thursday, December 12, 2002. Both Capitol Broadcasting Company and WRAL-TV joined the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department in presenting the event.

Triangle seniors enjoyed a holiday feast.	Joyce Hawley & the Rhythm Section provided dancing music.	Seniors donned their holiday best.
The dance moves were plentiful.	Two-stepping, shagging and a variety of dances were stepped with perfection.	A little tap dancing delighted the crowd.

Per the annual tradition, CBC retiree Ray Wilkinson opened the program with a few of his infamous Leonard & Cecil stories. WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan and Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel emceed the slate of performers, which included jazz singer Joyce Hawley, Tapestry tap dancers from Ligon Middle School and gospel musician Veronica Moore-Evans. A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute singers Emily Amber Newton and Antonio Abate opened the musical program with a few Christmas carols.

Former WRAL-TV Anchor Charlie Gaddy made a moving tribute to former event coordinator Scottie Stephenson.

Mayor Charles Meeker welcomed the crowd and celebrated the sunny day.

Crowd favorite Waltye Rasulala sang “The Lord’s Prayer” for the invocation before the meal.

Ray Wilkinson delighted the crowd with a few of his traditional Cecil & Leonard stories.

After everyone ate their fill, Joyce Hawley and the Rhythm Section provided music for dancing as attendees pushed back their chairs and cut a rug or two.

WRAL-TV personalities Greg Fishel (left) & Debra Morgan emceed the event.	Ligon Middle School tap dancers performed a number from Men in Black.
Tapestry danced ala Rockette style.	Christmas decor brightened the hall.	A Christmas classic came alive with Tapesty.
Over 1,500 seniors from across the Triangle attended the annual event.		Poinsettias filled the room with color.

Especially missed this year was CBC Corporate Secretary Scottie Stephenson, planner for the luncheon for over 40 years. She passed away in April, after a long illness. Former WRAL-TV Anchor Charlie Gaddy recognized Stephenson’s contributions to the luncheon and the Triangle community.