Put on your dancing shoes and strike up the band because “Dancing With the Senior Stars” is coming to Fairfield. This event is being co-sponsored by ManorCare at Woodridge and the Community Connectedness Action Committee of the District’s Strategic Plan. This “senior prom” will be Friday, April 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fairfield Intermediate School, at 255 Donald Drive.

The “After Hours Big Band” will provide the entertainment for the evening. The band is comprised of 20 musicians who practice in Fairfield under the leadership of Dr. Jim Zettler. They feature a variety of musical selections, including music from the big-band era as well as  contemporary tunes. Having appeared throughout the area for several years, the band is available to play community functions around the tri-state area and has generously volunteered its talent to honor our special citizens on this special evening.

Admission to “Dancing with the Senior Stars Prom” is only $2. Hors d'oeuvres, punch and a few sweet treats will be served. The award-winning Choraliers from Fairfield High School will be present to dance with guests. Seating for those who just want to sit back and enjoy the sound of the band will be plentiful. And Partners in Prime (formerly Senior Citizens Inc.) will provide a complimentary photo to all attendees.

Although this is the first year of “Dancing with the Senior Stars Prom,” the Fairfield School District has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with seniors in the community –going back to the 1980s when the elementary schools held Grandparent Day celebrations. Our senior citizen luncheons have also been held in Fairfield School District for many years. Delicious lunches at a reasonable cost and student entertainment highlight these events, which are also co-sponsored by ManorCare. (The next senior citizen lunch, by the way, is May 30, at the Freshman School on Dixie Highway.)

Senior citizens are a vital part of our community and we cherish the relationships that we have developed through the years. 

It is certainly appropriate to hold “Dancing with the Senior Stars Prom” event at the Intermediate School, as this school has had the pleasure of working with the Pot of Gold Club for many years. The Pot of Gold Club, made up of retirees who enjoy working in the schools, tutoring students and teaching after-school enrichment classes, has been in existence since 2001. The Intermediate School is always looking for more seniors to join the club. If you are interested in this initiative, please call the school at 829-4504 and tell them of your interest in the Pot-of-Gold Club.

The Community Connectedness Committee, part of the Fairfield City School District’s Strategic Plan, strives to find ways to connect with all members of our community. We are happy to support this exciting event for our senior citizens. If you are interested in attending “Dancing with the (Senior) Stars" on Friday, April 25, please call 874-9933 to make a reservation. Feel free to wear your “Sunday Best.”

Dr. B. Gayle Niehaus is the principal of Fairfield Intermediate School. She can be reached at niehaus_g@fairfieldcityschools.com.

Published in the Fairfield Echo, April 17, 2008.