Spring is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings.
With warmer weather on the way, many use the season as an excuse to update their wardrobes. Two local senior services departments are getting into the spirit by helping area seniors find a new look. This month, both Guilderland Senior Services and Colonie Senior Service Centers will be holding their annual fashion show events.
“This is a very popular event for us,” said Mary Ann Kelly, Senior Services coordinator for the Town of Guilderland. “The ladies really enjoy it, and it’s a fun day.”
Each event is a little different.
Guilderland has been doing its fashion show and luncheon since 2006. The day is meant to be a fun excursion for area seniors, and senior services staff will even provide transportation if it’s needed. About 85 people attended last year’s fashion show.
This year’s event is being held on Tuesday, May 20, at The Cider House Restaurant at Orchard Creek Golf Course in Altamont. The styles showcased will be just for the ladies. This year’s fashion choices are provided by Liz’s Closet, with most of the outfits modeled by Guilderland seniors.
“If they really like it, sometimes the model chooses to buy the outfit themselves,” said Kelly. “If someone else wants it, there is typically someone there to set the outfit aside for them. They then have to go to the store and purchase it there.”
Guilderland Senior Services does a similar event in the fall. Most of the clothes modeled at the upcoming fashion show will highlight summer trends.
“I think most ladies like to shop,” said Kelly. The coordinator said a fashion show makes sense for seniors because they are able to see what’s in style without having to do a lot of work or travel from store to store.
This is the 15th annual Mother’s Day Fashion Show and Luncheon presented by the Colonie Senior Service Centers. Its event will be held on Friday, May 9, at the Beltrone Living Center. The day helps to raise funds for Transportation Services for Seniors, which provides more than 18,000 rides annually for seniors to get to doctor’s appointments, errands and social activities.
“This is a fun way to raise funds to be able to support the transportation program, while keeping our senior population engaged,” said Colonie Senior Services Executive Director Ed Neary. “Since it’s done on Mother’s Day weekend, we attract lots of mothers and daughters attending together, but you see some men too.”
The funds from the event are used to off-set the cost of transportation services, which Neary said are growing yearly. Gas is a huge cost, and insurance prices continue to rise. He also said repair costs are climbing as service vehicles continue to age.
“We’re driving vans,” Neary said. “We’re trying to make them more efficient, but it’s not going great. However, they are necessary to keep our seniors connected with the community.”
The women’s clothes are provided by Christopher and Banks, with accessories by Charming Charlies. The men’s fashions are provided by Boscovs.
Neary said representatives from the stores attend the events and pass out discount coupons. Anyone looking to purchase the clothes seen on the models are then directed to the appropriate stores.
Last year’s event was attended by more than 200 people, according to Neary.
“We try to keep the tickets costs low and the entertainment light so people of all ages can attend,” said Neary. “The winners in the end are the seniors of Colonie, who not only get to attend the event but profit from it as well.”
Tickets to the Guilderland Senior Services Fashion Show and Luncheon on Tuesday, May 20, cost $20 per person and include a full lunch. Tickets are available in the Senior Office until Tuesday, May 13.
Tickets to Colonie Senior Services Center’s annual Mother’s Day Fashion Show and Luncheon on Friday, May 9, cost $15 per person and include lunch. Tickets are available in the Senior Services Office until Wednesday, May 7.