Local senior citizens were the center of attention Friday at a party in their honor.
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Robert Scott and Hilda Simmons show off some moves during last week's celebration.
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"This is one way we have of showing them how important they are to us and how much we love them. They are from the past... helping the future in the present," said Merlinda D'Antignac, superintendent of the Senior Citizens Center.
On Friday, 75 people celebrated the 50s and 60s during the celebration luncheon, held in conjunction with Older Americans Month.
"We have special things, trips and classes for them all the time. But we work during May to make it especially special. It's our way of saying thanks for all their service in and to Thomson and McDuffie County," said Ms. D'Antignac.
At the event, records were on the wall and hanging from archways while Wayne's Band -- The Red Boys, played some of the old tunes. Some seniors got on their feet and cut the rug.
"This is fun. It gives me a chance to smile and get a little exercise" said Robert Scott -- whose son Denard, played trombone in the band -- as he headed to the dance floor with Hilda Simmons.
During the fun, there were some serious moments. Bob Howard presented Beatrice Cody with a plaque as the county's Senior Citizen of the Year.
In a loud voice, Ms. Cody looked out over her fellow senior citizens and said proudly, "I want to thank God for making me just what I am. I am that I am. That's what Beatrice Cody says!"
A somber moment was recognized when Ann Johnson lit a candle in memory of those seniors who had passed away.
But after the quiet moments, it was back to fun, as the center staff dressed mostly in poodle skirts and some sporting wild sunglasses, gave away a bunch of door prizes contributed by local merchants. Almost everyone won something.
"This was so great. It was so nice of y'all to do this," said Bill Sheffield as he hugged center worker Carrie Richards.
