PITTSBORO — About 70 Chatham County seniors got gussied up in their finest Christmas attire for the Chatham County Council on Aging’s holiday party last Wednesday at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center in Pittsboro.
The Holiday Variety Show, sponsored by Alignment Healthcare, featured more than a dozen traditional Christmas songs and performances. Seniors and Council on Aging staff and volunteers sang, lip-synced, and danced to the holiday tunes. Council board member and volunteer Neriah Edwards-Boone served as mistress of ceremonies.
While COVID-19 is still present in the community, Council Executive Director Dennis Streets said it was important for the Council to take necessary precautions so seniors could celebrate with one another and remain safe at the same time.
“For so long we had taken for granted the ability to gather for such group events — but with the pandemic, this was no longer possible until we could assure our participants could become fully vaccinated and receive their boosters,” Streets said. “There is no substitute for the loving spirit that is generated when we can come together to share the joys of companionship, thankfulness for the present, and hope for the future.”
Betty Cherry of Pittsboro was one of the seniors who attended.
“This gathering was so nice, and I enjoyed everything very much,” Cherry said. “It was very special to see my friends again.”
Streets played the role of Santa Claus, making his way through the spaced-out group with cheer and gifts.
“I was emotionally moved to see our senior participants clapping to the music, laughing to the performers’ antics, and dancing to the tune ‘Run Rudolph Run,’” he said. “I thought to myself, this is what life should be — having a good time with friends. I am so thankful for all those who participated to make our Holiday Variety Show so special.”
Streets added that he hopes the Council will be able to get back to hosting group events and gatherings more frequently in the future.
“These gatherings will always be an important part of our Council on Aging,” he said. “Whether it is for socialization, education, enrichment, exercise, or some other worthy purpose, these events add richness to the lives of so many.”
Between now and Jan. 3, Subaru of America will donate $250 to local senior nutrition programs, like Chatham County’s, for every new vehicle purchased or leased, when the customer chooses Meals on Wheels as their charity of choice. Learn more at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove.
Individuals can learn about how the Chatham County Council on Aging makes a difference in the lives of seniors, how to donate to its Annual Appeal, or ways to volunteer by visiting https://chathamcouncilonaging.org. The Council on Aging also can be reached at 919-542-4512.