I went to the Ellicott City Senior Center first Crab cake Fundraiser and Entertainment event on June 20, and it was so terrific that I had to sit right down and write about it!

The decorations were colorful and eye-catching -- red, white and blue centerpieces with appropriate tablecloths and hanging figures/fixtures. The food was delicious and the entertainment was fabulous. All tickets -- 125 in all -- were sold and they even had a waiting list.

At the end of this evening, the senior center staff were exhausted, as were the many volunteers. The many volunteers is also reflective of the continuous outstanding support/efforts of Office On Aging Volunteer Coordinator Regina Jenkins.

Director Carla Buehler, Assistant Director Vicki Stahly, nutrition program specialist Brenda Pinkney and the long-time lunch volunteer Helen Irwin personally prepared/mixed the crab cakes which were then perfectly browned and turned out outstandingly tasteful. The mixture was a professional-level success.

The scrumptious three-bean salad provided the needed vinegary tang, the potato salad was also very tasty and the plates, hand carried to each guest, were beautifully arranged for ones' eyes with each having one crisp perfectly-sized fresh leaf of lettuce. And, the food arrived at each table, at least to our table, which was in the middle of the room, hot.

As for the entertainment, you will get tired of seeing the term outstanding. There is no other word for Merle Javett Stanley except outstanding! She ran through a repertoire of songs, "favorite oldies from the 1950s through the 90s," from romantic melodies through jazz and back. Her voice just grabs one's attention, always so pleasing to the ear and powerful. And with so many oldies, many kept tune/voice with her. She won the Maryland Senior Idol title in 2007 with the song, "Misty," which she sang, but it was not one that many knew.

Her stamina is outstanding, she captivated and held her audience, a rapt audience of more than 100 seniors who were well fed and tired, for over an hour. She even enticed several of the staff and guests to join her on the stage to provide dancing accompaniment.

The final activity was the awarding of the door prizes and identifying the winners of the raffle gifts. The door prizes from the Senior Council included a huge beautiful hanging basket with a floral arrangement, won by Jeanne Berniker, and a potted plant of baby red roses won by Gloria Toye, one of the newly elected members of the Council.

The raffle gifts consisted of two huge baskets filled with a variety of goodies, and a third was a "big beautiful bag" donated by Trader Joe's. The two baskets and the enclosed items were provided by the Senior Center Council with the staff putting them together, which included some certificates, two for the Crab Shanty Restaurant.

The third basket was actually a big, beautiful bag from Trader Joe's, to which the staff filled/added items.

Carla and staff all want to say to all who supported the dinner and fundraiser. The latest word is that the council accumulated $1,400 to help buy goodies, etc.

Because of a conflict, I missed the June Bingo & Birthdays Celebration, but checking last year's party, I want to say a belated Happy Birthday to Sylvia Barron, Shirley Bossom, Carrie Dell, Roberta Drieslin, Vernon Hare and Bill Volenick. For those that I missed, let me know and I'll make up.

I received word of a mishap at the birthday party and want to wish Al Whettle well from his fall. t will take time, but even broken bones do heal. We will be thinking of you.

I also noted it has been one year since the June 30 memorial for Vivian Reid, the first Administrator of the Office On Aging of the Howard County Department of Citizen Services. Last year it was highlighted how such a jewel would be missed in the community and she has been.

user comments (0)