Seniors Cut Rugs to Ring in 2014

There was music in the air at the Hutton Center in Colton last Saturday afternoon, Jan. 4, as the 2014 Senior Dance brought in the New Year in style. About 70 seniors gathered to enjoy the music stylings of Curb Appeal, a four piece band that presented a great variety of music including swing, jazz and cumbia among its repartee. A popular choice for the seniors dances throughout the years, Curb Appeal’s lead singer, Chuck Murrillo, shared that the band “plays all styles of music; after all, we grew up in an era where you got all styles of music on one station on the radio.” “These dances are a great way to socialize,” said Murrillo. “They’re a good way to meet people, they’re enjoyable and even therapeutic, since our aches and pains all go away once the music starts. The dances are all about music and camaraderie and we enjoy playing at them as much as the people enjoy being here.” Cutting a rug on the floor with big smiles and fancy footwork, Richard and Angie Contreras of Colton are members of the community center and participate in most of the dances and events throughout the year. Raul and Rosie Perez were on the dance floor with every song. “We’ve come here every year since 2006,” said Rosie, “and we’re still going strong. Coming here is like being with a lot of good friends at someone’s home.” The dance floor was packed at the announcement of the upcoming line dance as many of the dancers began to stroll together in perfect synchronization to the beat of the music. Others joined in at the back of the lines at the urging of their friends, laughing at missed steps but watching carefully to learn the dance alongside all of the crowd. As the band took a break, Heidi Strutz, recreation coordinator for the Hutton Center, made some announcements to the members of the center about upcoming events and encouraged everyone to bring family and friends to enjoy the many events planned throughout the year. The Recreation Center would like to invite community members to come and join the Community Services Active Adult and Senior events. Interested parties are encouraged to register with the Hutton and/or Luque Centers for pre-sales of tickets for upcoming dances and events. Information is available at 909-370-6168 or 909-370-5087.