Despite
driving rain and 60-mile-per-hour wind, the seniors and their youth hosts
stayed warm and dry as they kicked up their heels.
Especially
enjoying the evening’s events were Janice and Jack Robertson of Santa Ynez, who
were voted Senior Prom King and Queen by other seniors. Married for 51 years,
Jack is 91 and Janice is 87. Jack came into the hall pushing his walker, but
soon after the dancing started he was up and romancing his sweetheart with a
cheek-to-cheek waltz.
Besides
good food – spaghetti and meatballs, brochette, and flan for dessert – the
seniors enjoyed free prom photos, taken by the youth hosts, and valet parking,
which was essential with such forceful weather outside.
Billed
as “Somewhere in Time,” the evening began with a cocktail
hour and live music by Brad Emerson. The dinner show in two acts was
presented by youth minister Jim Gutierrez, who sang a romantic Elvis Presley
medley along with other favorites. The disc-jockey music,
provided by Paradise Entertainment of Santa Maria, featured songs from the
1950s and ’60s. Seniors who attended were asked to list their choices,
and music for the dancing was selected from those suggestions.
The
guests of honor did not hesitate to dance when their favorite music began to
play. Swing, waltz, the Twist, rock & roll and Latin cha-chas and rumbas
dominated the selections. The dance floor was filled the rest of the evening,
with even Father Michael and Father Brian taking turns swinging and joining in
during the group “snake” and circle dances.
For
almost three hours, the hall was filled with great music played from original
hit records.
Honors
during the prom went to Arne Hansen and Shelia Benedict, both Best Smile; Joy Sawin and Jim Ried, both Most
Outgoing; May Fermin, Best Hairdo; Don Hartshorn, Best Theme Attire; Patricia Hayes, Best Dancer;
Alan Rowley, Class Clown; and George and Catalina Corcoran, Cutest Couple.
The
program will be the first annual senior prom hosted by the Youth Ministry at
Old Mission Santa Inés. Gutierrez said 35 youth
participated in the project, handling duties such as waiting and bussing
tables, taking photos and videos, checking coats, and valet parking.
“The
youth ministry is 90 percent service projects,” Gutierrez said. “We hold two
fundraisers during the year to raise money to carry out our service projects.
This is the first time we’ve ever done such a large service project, and we
decided the seniors were very deserving. The response has been very favorable,
and so far it looks like it could be an annual event.”
Members
of the audience took the microphone during the award presentations and
complimented the Youth Ministry and Gutierrez for the event. “I’ve been to
senior proms,” one parishioner said, “but this is the best senior prom I’ve
ever attended.” Another supporter added, “I’ve been coming to parties at Parish
Hall for 48 years and I have to say, this is the best party I’ve ever
attended.” The statement was followed by standing applause from the seniors.
The
prom was free to seniors, but because seating was limited, those receiving
invitations were asked to complete a form that asked why they would like to go
to a “senior” prom. The majority of those attending were between the ages of 60
and 70, but seniors over 55 were invited.
Sponsors for the evening included Grappolo
Restaurant, Paradise Entertainment, Mission Linen, Radio Shack, Pacific
Conservatory of the Performing Arts Theaterfest,
Andrew Murray Vineyard, St. John Newmann Church, St.
Mary’s of the Assumption Church, Mike and Chris Bashforth,
and Victor Bermudez and the Maintenance Department.