Bay Ridge Center for Older Adults doo-wop for a cause

There was nothing but joy in the air on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 30 when a group of senior citizens got together at the Bay Ridge Center for Older Adults (BRCOA) to raise funds for the programs offered at the congregation.

The doors opened at 4 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner at 5 p.m., with live band entertainment from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sonia Adamski, president of the BRCOA, said that nearly a hundred people attended the evening, with food provided by M&M catering.

“It’s nice that they have things for seniors,” cheerfully commented Antoinette who was accompanied by her partner Robin, both sitting at one of the numerous tables.

The Center tries to hosts performances at least twice a year, explained Adamski. However, the seniors have enjoyed it so much in the past that they have managed to host a third event with a fourth one coming up in the fall-around September.

When the show started, the band, Joey Arminio and The Family, captured the attention of the lively crowd.

The Arminio Family is a live oldies band which provides doo wop music from the late 50’s and early 60’s. Adamski admits that when she saw them play in Verona, New Jersey she knew right away that she would be calling them up and asking them to perform at the Senior Center.

The music brought back memories for the guests. For Rosemarie De Cillis, doo-wop took her back to the “old boyfriends,” the Great Depression and Pearl Harbor.

“There’s a lot of history behind us,” De Cillis said. She brings her 91 year-old mother as well to the BRCOA.

Among the many people was Ruth Wohltjen, who started the Ruth Elementary School, which is still in existence. She was the principal of the school for many years. Wohltje has lived in Brooklyn since 1957. She attends the Bay Ridge Center to have lunch at least three times a week and goes to spirituality sessions at the Good Shepherd.

Many cried out that the food was delicious and awaited for dessert to be given out during intermission.

Past performances at the annual fundraiser have included an Elvis Presley and a James Johnson impersonator.

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