Dance The Winter Away

In spite of the endless crapstorm that is this Kansas City winter (there's a steady stream of slush falling from the sky as I write this) we do march valiantly towards March and the hope of a coming thaw. Little signposts along the way give us hope. And here's another one. The Annual St. Patrick's Senior Ball will take place again, Thursday March 11th. If this event doesn't warm your winter heart, nothing will. The official info follows:

The Redemptorist Center Seniors Club invites all area senior citizens to enjoy live music, dancing, refreshments and dozens of door prizes at the annual St. Pat’s Sr. Ball, from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 11, in the gymnasium of the Cristo Rey Kansas City High School, 211 W. Linwood Blvd.

Admission and refreshments are free for seniors. Free parking and parking assistance is available at the rear of the building.

The Sr. Ball features live big-band music, and always guarantees plenty of dance partners. Everyone attending will be eligible to win cash door prizes.

Begun in 2000, the annual St. Pat’s Senior Ball is sponsored by the seven O’Neill brothers and their families and friends, in memory of Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade co-founder Pat O’Neill Sr., who passed away in 1999.

The event each year hosts about 200 senior women and men, along with a host of volunteer dance partners. Clubs or organizations wishing to attend the dance as a group should RSVP by calling Brother John at 816-931-9942.

If you're a boy, man, or somewhere in between, your attendance is especially requested. Each year there are dozens of beautiful, charming ladies looking for dance partners. And believe me, Astaire-like aptitude is not a requirement. They even let me do it. If you can stand and shuffle, you qualify. Please consider taking a long lunch that day and joining the party. I promise you, you'll be very glad you did.