Rotary Club fetes Madison Senior Center members with Mardi Gras bash

MADISON – Members of Rotary Club of Madison used shiny mobiles, festooning on walls and feathered masks to convert Madison Senior Center into a scene from the French Quarter for the 2025 Mardi Gras Party.

“This year’s party on March 4 was the first one at the new Madison Senior Center (in Madison Community Center),” Rotarian Carla Buchanan said. Buchanan serves as Rotary’s Publicist and Incoming President. “The Rotary Club appreciates the help of the center’s Senior Activities Coordinator LaWanda Mason.”

Wearing a tuxedo that denoted his official role, Bill Holtzclaw, current Rotary President, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

“More than 80 of our local seniors joined together — some in costume — to enjoy light snacks that included festive cupcakes, King Cakes, chips and soda,” Buchanan said. “Gift bags from local businesses were given to each guest, along with several door prizes.”

The party culminated with the crowning of Mardi Gras King and Queen. The 2025 reigning members of royalty were Queen Gloria and King Ron.

“Rotary Club started this party eight years ago in memory of our President Steve Croomes. Steve was President during 2014-2015, and he died during his presidency in May 2015,” Buchanan said.

“Steve was the kindest and most generous person that you would ever meet, always going beyond expectations with his charity and service to others,” Buchanan said. “In all that he did, he personified Rotary’s theme of ‘Service Above Self.’” “Steve was also charismatic and entertaining and always loved a good story. He loved Mardi Gras and all things New Orleans, having worked for 20 years on the Krewe Endymion, one of New Orleans largest Mardi Gras Parade floats,” Buchanan said.

“The Rotary Club members wanted to preserve our memory of him and why we do this party each year,” Buchanan said. “It’s a great party, important to our seniors at the center, but also a remembrance to the legacy of a very kind and generous man.”

Croomes grew up in Athens, where he worked as an attorney until his death. “Steve’s final resting place is New Orleans,” Buchanan said.