Pam Kennedy, Housing Opportunities of Warsaw executive director, was emcee for the event.

WARSAW — Months of preparation came to a culmination Wednesday, Nov. 29, with a Cruising Memory Lane luncheon and show in the gymnasium at the Kosciusko Community Senior Services, North Park Avenue, Warsaw.

The luncheon featured 12 seniors who were paired with volunteers presenting a “vinyl” fashion show. Each participant dressed up to represent the album cover of one of their favorite recording artists from the past. These same individuals also posed for photographs featured in a Cruising Memory Lane calendar for 2018.

The event was a joint fundraiser for Housing Opportunities of Warsaw and Kosciusko Community Senior Services.

The stars of the event were Pernell Bailey as Nat King Cole, with the song “The Christmas Song;” Rosemary Parsons as Patsy Cline, with the song “Crazy;” Melody Lucht as Annette Funicello, with the “Mickey Mouse Club;” Judy Hyde escorted by David Neff, KCSS executive director, as Andy Williams to the song “Moon River Memories;” Judy Hartup as Minnie Pearl with the song “How To Catch A Man;” Elaine Warren as Loretta Lynn with the song “Delta Dawn;” Jerry Davis as Bobby Vinton with the song “Blue Velvet;” Evilia Vega and her daughter Ana Jiron presenting Les Paul and Mary Ford’s song “Blue Hawaii;” Ysabelle Lozano as Connie Francis presenting the song “Where The Boys Are;” Chris Cotner as George Burns accompanied on the piano by Cherylyn Trier as Gracie Allen singing “Old Bones;” and Sally Nelson presenting Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Fortunate Son,” a Vietnam tribute.

The volunteer recording agent for each of the stars assisted their star in finding the record and stage attire. Each one, dressed similarly to their favorite artist on an album cover, strolled down the walkway singing along with the song, as they acted the part. Several handed out artificial roses or leis to the guests. Others danced their way down the walkway to the stage.

David Neff, Kosciusko Community Senior Services executive director, thanked everyone for attending and shared a video about KCSS.

Those attending participated in the show by clapping to the rhythm of the music or singing along.

The event concluded with the entire cast gathering at the stage singing “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

“We hope the old music brings back good memories,” said Pam Kennedy, Housing Opportunities of Warsaw. Kennedy emceed the event providing information about each of the recording artists and encouraging those present to read about the local stars in the program. “It’s been fun,” she stated about working with the seniors.

The afternoon concluded with a brief video about KCSS and what it provides seniors in the community. It was noted 35,000 meals were served last year and more than 14,000 rides were provided. The video also expressed the importance of the 300 mobile meals volunteers who make a difference in someone’s life and have saved the lives of some of the clients in the last 1 ½ years. Additionally it was noted a $100 gift can provide 30 meals or provide eight to nine rides for seniors.

The Cruising Memory Lane 2018 calendar is available to purchase for $10 at KCSS. The purchase will support programs KSSC and Housing Opportunities of Warsaw provide to enhance the lives of seniors.

KCSS and HOW work closely with seniors in the community, helping with assistance in facing the challenges of being alone, living on a set income and health limitations. Both organizations offer environments for seniors to network. Through this network they make new friends and learn of additional resources to solve obstacles in life.