Senior center enjoys Rotarians’ Mardi Gras party
MADISON – Shiny beads were flying and good times were rolling at Madison Senior Center for the “Steve Croomes Memorial Mardi Gras Celebration.”
Rotary Club of Madison sponsored the annual event, this year on Feb. 9. Tables were decorated in Mardi Gras’ signature colors of purple, gold and green with beads and miniature derby hats.
Rotary members served King Cake and punch to the senior citizens. “We had a dance party at the close of the party. All of the seniors were invited to participate,” Madison Senior Center Director Vickie Parker said.
Brenda Jackson was crowned Mardi Gras Queen, and Billy Mooney claimed the title of King. The Rotarians used a random drawing of tickets to decide the King and Queen honors.
“Brenda Jackson comes to the center as a caregiver for a client. Billy Mooney is a retired firefighter for the City of Madison,” Parker said.
“We chose the Mardi Gras party in memory of Steve because he loved New Orleans and Mardi Gras,” Rotary member and publicist Carla Daily said. “For many years, he was part of the Krewe of Endymion, the largest Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans with more than 3,000 riders and 37 floats.”
“Steve was our club president when he passed away in the spring of 2015. He was always kind and generous to others, and he always gave more than was asked or expected,” Daily said.
“Steve loved Rotary, and he embraced our ‘Service Above Self’ motto in everything he did,” Daily said. “Steve lived in Athens and worked as an attorney.”
State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, who is a Madison Rotarian, donated funds to pay for the party expenses.
Parker said some center members probably didn’t follow Mardi Gras traditions in earlier years but enjoyed the event regardless. “They just like a reason to eat cake and have a party,” Parker said.
“I enjoyed seeing the seniors have a good time and especially the dance at the end. Everyone let loose and threw their cares to the wind when the music cranked up,” Parker said.
Parker thanked Rotary Club of Madison for hosting the Mardi Gras party. “It’s an annual event that they all look forward to each year. It’s great to have community leaders come out and interact with our seniors.”
“I consider our center to be ‘the best kept secret in Madison for the senior population,'” Parker said.
