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Seniors get into costume at Halloween Boo Bash


  • By Ian Swaby
  • | 11:30 a.m. October 31, 2024
Peter Salefsky, Barbara Bostic and Gail Duerst
Peter Salefsky, Barbara Bostic and Gail Duerst
Photo by Ian Swaby
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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You're never too old for a hat and a broomstick. 

In fact, many members of the West Coast Sand-Witches come from Senior Friendship Centers. 

That was one reason the local group decided to join the organization's annual Halloween Boo Bash to offer a dance performance, at its Sarasota location, on Oct. 30.

"Some of the witches are members here, so we thought this would be a great place to recruit more witches and have some fun," said organizer Connie Farris.

Also taking place at the Venice location, the event featured live music by Krazy Entertainment Live and a Halloween costume contest with awards for the best costumes. 

Ron Longhurst, who was the winner of the contest for his costume of the Pope, said he always enjoys the chance to dress up. 

"I tell people outside the center that, every day, from one to three, we have live music, we have dancing, and we act like a bunch of seventh graders at a sock hop," he said.

The West Coast Sand-Witches including Gail Duerst (center) offer a performance.
The West Coast Sand-Witches including Gail Duerst (center) offer a performance.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The West Coast Sand-Witches, including organizer Connie Farris, Sami Blouin, Nancy Creighton and Judith Calissi, offer a performance.
The West Coast Sand-Witches, including organizer Connie Farris, Sami Blouin, Nancy Creighton and Judith Calissi, offer a performance.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Senior Friendship Centers' Bethany Colbrunn and Evelyn Vaz watch the dancing action at the event.
Senior Friendship Centers' Bethany Colbrunn and Evelyn Vaz watch the dancing action at the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Diana Fava dances with Ron Longhurst.
Diana Fava dances with Ron Longhurst.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Joy Wiltzius dances with Jim Willsey.
Joy Wiltzius dances with Jim Willsey.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The hall at Senior Friendship Centers was filled with
The hall at Senior Friendship Centers was filled with
Photo by Ian Swaby
Halloween treats were on offer at the event.
Halloween treats were on offer at the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Gina Brockman of Golden Girl Solutions serves treats to David Spengler
Gina Brockman of Golden Girl Solutions serves treats to David Spengler
Photo by Ian Swaby
Marlene Bischman, who is dressed as Cher, takes her turn explaining her Halloween costume to  Center Manager George Maggio.
Marlene Bischman, who is dressed as Cher, takes her turn explaining her Halloween costume to Center Manager George Maggio.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Peter Salefsky, Barbara Bostic and Gail Duerst
Peter Salefsky, Barbara Bostic and Gail Duerst
Photo by Ian Swaby
Gina Brockman of Golden Girl Solutions and Timothy Arbagy of Krazy Entertainment make an announcement.
Gina Brockman of Golden Girl Solutions and Timothy Arbagy of Krazy Entertainment make an announcement.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lucille Pererva dances with her longtime friend Frank Cefola. The two enjoy matching their Halloween costumes each year.
Lucille Pererva dances with her longtime friend Frank Cefola. The two enjoy matching their Halloween costumes each year.
Photo by Ian Swaby
John Ross dances with Holly Larrimore of West Coast Sand-Witches.
John Ross dances with Holly Larrimore of West Coast Sand-Witches.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Attendees take to the dance floor, including Ron Longhurst (center).
Attendees take to the dance floor, including Ron Longhurst (center).
Photo by Ian Swaby

 

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.

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