“We want our Democrats to come together,” said Allen, who also modeled a few outfits during the fashion show. “We want you to come and have a good time.”
The Ward 8 Democrats was also responsible for putting together the fashion show.
More than 60 people attended and cheered as 11 of their peers modeled daywear such as 2-piece suits, black denim, cowboy boots, and a white blouse with embroidery. Evening wear consisted of black lace gloves, straw hats, navy blue, dark gray, and pale yellow two- and three-piece suits for men, and women’s dresses and two-piece suits with floral detail.
Mary Cuthbert models a black dress at the Ward 8 Senior Gala Fashion Show on April 19 at the Washington Highland Library.
D.C. Senior Residents Mix Fashion with Politics
By Karisse Carmack
WI Contributing Writer
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Senior citizens and members of the community came out for an afternoon of entertainment and civic engagement last Saturday at the Senior Gala Fashion Show in Southwest.
Local residents strutted and shimmied down the aisle in the basement of the Washington Highlands Library, showing the audience they can still have fun and look good at the same time. Mistress of Ceremonies Gladys Shoatz was on hand to provide humor and praise to the models who participated.
Sandy Allen, president of the Ward 8 Democrats, began the event shortly after noon by encouraging senior citizens to become involved in the political process and attend upcoming political gatherings, regardless of who they voted for in the Feb. 12 Potomac Primary.
The fashion show was followed by a drawing for prizes and brunch, concluding a program whose theme was “Promoting and Energizing Our Seniors.”
Senior Committee President Katie Shephard serenaded the audience with “Wind Beneath My Wings” at the beginning of the program, and had some tips after the show on how the community can reach out to its senior citizens.
“Take us out to activities,” she said.
Shephard, who coordinated the show for the second year, also said people should make sure senior citizens get their exercise.
Verna Shelton of Southeast modeled some of the outfits and said she enjoyed the fashion show and was “surprised” by the turnout. Shelton, a mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, hopes to open up a senior citizen facility one day.
Lawrence Guyot of Northwest, a retired manager of D.C. after school programs, said this event was probably the first time he modeled for an event and an example of the “power of unity.” Guyot spoke at length about the need for residents, both young and old, to unite during this election season and know that “politics is our business.”