It was the middle of the day in the middle of the week, but more than 100 senior citizens were dressed up and partying at the Wicker Park Social Center in Highland.
The event was the Senior Mother’s Day Dance and the atmosphere was that of a formal wedding — dinner, after-5 attire and dancing to live music of The Dick Elliot Band.
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“We’re having the time of our lives,” said Malita Engle of Dyer, as she headed to the dance floor with her girlfriends. “Just because we are senior citizens doesn’t mean we aren’t fun-loving.”
The more than 100 attendees at the party could attest to that fact, as they socialized in the colorful, decorated banquet room.
“There are a lot of things for seniors around here — bowling, golfing, and other things,” said Doug Boyd of Hammond. “These dances also are a good way to get together for a good time.”
Griffith resident Bob Seto agrees.
“It’s a good feeling to have friends, people to talk to,” he said, as he chose his next dance partner.
Many of those in the audience knew each other, as they are locals that attend other dances in the area, such as the weekly Ballroom Dances at the Civic Center.
“It’s important for seniors to have something to do,” said Bob Tintari of Dyer. “Dancing is camaraderie, and also has shown to be good exercise.”
Now that she is retired, former hairdresser Madalyn Rosenbauer of Lowell has taken up many new hobbies.
“I never had time for these things before, so now is my time,” she said, of her dancing and playing the guitar. “I even sing with a country-western band.
With that said, Rosenbauer stepped up to the band podium to spontaneously sing with the band. Positive comments from the audience kept her going for a few tunes, to the delight of the crowd.
Bertha Batts of Schererville is one of the area’s dance regulars and enjoys the time out to various venues to partake of her hobby.
“I never danced in my life before,” she said. “But after I became a widow, my cousin suggested I try it. I’ve been doing ballroom dancing now for 23 years.”
Schererville resident Tina Kerr was continually on the dance floor throughout the afternoon. She believes that retired people deserve fun at this time in their lives.
“Seniors should be treated well, after all those years of working,” she said. “And dancing is a stimulus for the mind.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.