Triangle Seniors Celebrate the Holidays at Annual Luncheon
Triangle seniors made merry together at the 47th Annual Golden Years Celebration on Friday, December 17, 2004. The noon event featured area talent and hosts from sponsor WRAL-TV and a luncheon provided by Harris Teeter. About 1,400 senior citizens attended, enjoying food, fellowship and musical entertainment.
Seniors from across the Triangle enjoyed the annual luncheon together. |
The Caroling Party sang “White Christmas” as snow began to fall on stage. |
Mrs. Claus has nothing on this happy lady. |
WRAL-TV Anchors Pam Saulsby & Debra Morgan emceed the program along with WRAL-TV Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel. Rev. Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr. of the First Baptist Church in downtown Raleigh provided the invocation and Raleigh Assistant City Manager Lawrence Wray offered words of introduction.
Capitol Broadcasting Company Vice President George Habel presented a tribute to CBC Retiree Ray Wilkinson, former WRAL-TV farm reporter. Wilkinson usually participated in the program, welcoming seniors to the event for many years. Rozlyn Sorrell followed the tribute with a show-stopping rendition of “O Holy Night.”
WRAL-TV’s Greg Fishel played a tune on the tuba for the crowd. |
About 1,400 Golden Years Club members showed up for the event. |
CBC’s George Habel gave a tribute to Golden Years favorite, the late Ray Wilkinson. |
WRAL-TV’s Pam Saulsby interviews the President of the Watts Chapel group. |
Seniors joyfully took to the dance floor as Joyce Hawley & the Rhythm Section played Big Band. |
The Star Strutters strutted their stuff. |
A wide array of musical talent delighted the seniors during the luncheon. The Star Strutters Dance Troup, a Rockette-style dance troupe of ladies aged 55 and over, kicked up their heels for two festive numbers. The Caroling Party, dressed in Dickens-era costumes; crooner Bill Stonehouse; and gospel singer Mary D. Williams sang familiar Christmas tunes. Joyce Hawley and the Rhythm Section rounded out the list of entertainers with Big Band tunes that got scores of seniors on the dance floor.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, WRAL-TV & WRAL-FM sponsored the event with Harris Teeter, working in conjunction with the City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation Department.
WRAL-TV’s Greg Fishel (l to r), Debra Morgan & Pam Saulsby emceed the event. |
Dancers cut a rug decked in their Christmas best. |
Santa Claus is comin’ to town! |
Dancers kept the dance floor hopping.
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Joyce Hawley & her band provide the dancing music. |
This couple swings to “In the Mood.” |
The Golden Years Association, under the umbrella of Raleigh Parks & Rec, serves senior adults 55 years of age and older with clubs throughout the city. Clubs meet individually and several larger events are held each year for the groups together.
Rozlyn Sorrell brought the house down with “O Holy Night.” |
The Star Strutters donned Christmas suits for their final festive number. |
Back by popular demand, Bill Stonehouse performed Christmas classics. |
All aged 55 & older, the Star Strutters brought their own version of the Rockettes to Raleigh. |
CBC’s Paul Pope (right) made a special presentation to Harris Teeter. |
