Members of the Castle Rock Senior Center modeled the latest in ladies spring fashion at the Spring Fling Tea and Fashion Show, which took place on Monday, May 9, at the senior center. 

“This is one of the better programs,” said attendee Barbara Miles. “These are things we would really wear. Something for all shapes and sizes.”

The models, members of the center, were Virginia Cohen, Jo De Gesu, Lois Griswold, Dottie Gunner, Irene Henning, Julie Keeler, Rita Lundgren, Joan Marshall, Yolanda Quintano, Maggie Smith, Dee Thompson and Dorothy Weaver. Dress Barn provided the fashions, and store manager Henrietta Bastian served as mistress of ceremonies.

High fashion and high tea go hand-in-hand. In addition to the fashion show, Nancy Cramer-Gibson talked to the ladies about the differences among white, green and black teas. Cramer-Gibson is the owner of Prairie Rose Fine Tea and Bath in downtown Castle Rock.

“There are so many good reason to drink tea, but there is nothing like sitting and having a cup of tea with a friend,” Cramer-Gibson said.

The tea and fashion show is just one of the many events and programs available to senior citizens in Castle Rock. Coffee talks, potluck lunches, field trips and fitness classes are just some of the offerings. There are programs for men and women.

“I like to play Bridge,” said Grace George just before the fashion show started. “I also volunteer – drive the shuttle a couple times a month.”

Hazel Volpe enjoyed the show and being around her new friends at the center. She moved to Castle Rock about eight months ago to live with her daughter. She had lived in Florida for almost 30 years, but relocated after her husband’s death. She wasn’t happy with her move at first. No one her age lived in her daughter’s neighborhood. But then her daughter told her about the senior center.

“The center has opened up my whole life,” Volpe said. “I’ve met a lot of nice people. Now I love living here.”