Triangle Seniors dance the morning away at the Golden Years Celebration sponsored by CBC on Friday, December 17th.

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Seniors from across the Triangle gathered for the annual Golden Years Holiday Celebration on Friday, December 17, 2010, at the Raleigh Convention Center.   Capitol Broadcasting Company sponsors the annual event for the over 50 Golden Years Clubs in the Raleigh Parks & Recreation Department. 

The morning event began with breakfast, included a musical program and then moved on to dancing for the attendees.  Seniors created a festive atmosphere dressed in their holiday best.

AARP joined CBC and Raleigh Parks & Rec in presenting the event this year. 

“There is power in celebration,” AARP Associate State Director Debra Tyler-Horton told the Golden Years members.  “There is joy in celebration and hope in celebration.  We celebrate you.”

WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan and WRAL-TV Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel emceed the program, while WRAL-TV Anchor Gerald Morgan conducted live interviews from the audience during the morning.

WRAL-TV’s Bill Leslie sang a song inspired by one of his favorite Christmas presents, a Lionel train.

WRAL-TV’s Gerald Owens (l to r), Debra Morgan & Greg Fishel emcee the morning event.

The Oakwood Waits sang a few carols during breakfast and then Rozlyn Sorrell opened the program with a moving rendition of “God Bless America” for the invocation. 

“We’ve been through trials in these tough economic times,” said Sorrell.  “But we still live in the greatest country on earth.”

Raleigh Parks & Rec Program Director Steve White made a special presentation to Major Pete Costas of the Salvation Army as the program began.  The Golden Years Clubs had stuffed 500 stockings for the Salvation Army to give to children in need.  Costas said this year that the parents of over 7,200 children would be coming to the Army to shop in their toy shop and be able to provide Christmas for their kids.

The Sassy Classics Dance Troupe kick up their heels for two different numbers during the program.

WRAL-TV’s Gerald Owens (center) interviews a couple who has been married for 50 years.

Other entertainers during the morning included the Sassy Classics Dance Troupe, dancers from age 62 – 82; WRAL-TV Anchor Bill Leslie, who performed as a surprise guest; God’s Men of Harmony, an a cappella quartet; and Fern Grounds & Capital Jazz Band, who provided music that got the dance floor filled.

Morgan & Fishel drew for door prizes during the program.  All seniors received a bag of goodies and a poinsettia to take home with them.

WRAL-TV is producing a Golden Years special, including footage from the 2010 event, to air on TV 5 at 1pm on Christmas Day.

Seniors sing along to” Jingle Bells.”

God’s Men of Harmony sings two Christmas carols for the crowd.

Happy Holidays from CBC!