Big band banquet entertains seniors

Weatherford Senior Center volunteers Pam Pearson and Denise Pocholiski check in guests.

Jennifer Bledsoe, senior center director of operations, opens the gala with a greeting.

The second annual Senior Prom and Gala was filled with glamor and grandeur for guests at the lavishly decorated Springs Event Venue in south Parker County Friday, March 22. 

Celebrants could hear a big band orchestra waiting for them inside as the guests of honor approached the driveway in a stretch limousine.

Jim Hahn, who was greeting members and their guests at the door, turned his attention to the long, black coach.

“That is our 'senior' seniors coming,” Hahn said. “The limo is for our folks over 90. They get the extra special treatment.”

The Joshua Experience big band singers Drenda Barnett, Judi Thomas, Juday Sharples, and Shirley Marshal, perform along with a 15-piece orchestra …

Bass player Bob Lewis of Aledo sings “What a Wonderful World” with the Joshua Experience Orchestra.

The event is the apex of many events offered by the Parker County Committee on Aging, Parker County Senior Center, and Meals on Wheels. Many members are endeared to the friendship, kinship and fellowship they have found at the center.

Melvin and Rosie Luther still call each other newlyweds, though married almost seven years. The couple met at and were married in the Parker County Senior Center.

“This is such a wonderful organization,” Rosie said as they entered the ballroom. “It has really given me purpose. It is a wonderful place to be and I have met the nicest, most caring people here.

“Especially this one,” she added with a smile and grin to her husband.

Greg Runnebaum speaks with Willow Park Mayor Doyle Moss.

Sam and Gail Spadaro visit with Dan Clifton.

Quilene Johnson, Susy Hudson, and Diane Stille pose for Karen Boone.

During the meal, executive director Kirsti Smith spoke about the many activities and amenities the Parker County Committee on Aging offers. Meals on Wheels client Bob Richard spoke about the home food service on behalf of he and his wife, Ruby, and Larry Evans paused to restrain his emotions as he spoke of what the Center’s 60-Plus Club means to him.

“It is hard to describe the love you feel there,” Evans said. “The fellowship and the friendship - we eat together and we pray together. There is the bingo and the food and parties, but there is just so much more.”

Silent auction items and raffles served as a fundraiser for the Center.

The event closed with the crowning of the prom queen and king, in which Evans and Mary Sanderson were both at a loss of words to be called to the front to be crowned. The pair were voted by the members because of their willingness to volunteer and their habit of greeting each person at the center when they arrive.

Artist Kristen Soble painted two Texas-themed pieces during the gala, a longhorn and a coyote, and donated the acrylic art for auction.

Ashley Auten and Matthew Ibrahim bid on silent auction items.

Students of Weatherford Christian School and Weatherford High School volunteered to greet participants and wait tables.

To learn more about senior activities, call Parker County Committee on Aging at 817-596-4640 or email info@pccoa.org.

Darryl Evans poses with parents Shirley and Larry Evans.

Larry Evans speaks to the gala crowd about the benefits of the 60+ Club as senior center director Jennifer Bledsoe looks on.