News & Events

Dancing with the Seniors was one of the most enjoyable evenings filled with so much fun, laughter and great dining! Immediately when you entered into The Helene Mills Hall, the atmosphere gave just a hint of what was in store for the evening, for as far as the eyes could see were stars and balloons and the sweet sound of soul music softly playing in the background.

Additionally, the tables were set up like a restaurant prepared for fine dining! All tables had star studded center pieces, silverware and baskets filled with warm bread awaiting the guest for the evening. As each guest and resident bus arrived, all were escorted to their table and the M-Team, The Youth Group from Martin Street Plaza, served all our guest for the evening. The M-Team dressed the part for they had on white shirt and black dressed pants and they did a wonderful job! Once dinner (baked chicken, yellow rice, green beans, peach cobbler and sweet tea) was served the show began. The Senior Dancers were treated like real stars! They were in the back rooms getting dressed, pampered and a most gifted make up artist was available to add the finishing touches for the ladies. Additionally, there were reserved seating for special guest which included Helene Mills, the community activist that this very center was named in honor of, and the dancers. We had seven couples prepared to dance. Please join me at giving special thanks to Herbert Glenn, Antonio Mann and Ric Jones for stepping in literally to assist our seniors in the competition. For had they not volunteered 3 seniors could not have participated.

The couples were swinging, bumping, popping their dress tails, shot gun, twisting and so much more! It was absolutely the most entertaining competition. During our intermission, one of our guest judges Barney Sims, got on the dance floor and showed some of his smooth moves. Let me share a little secret, Barney Sims can dance! Lathan came on staged dressed as the Sandman and the crowd roared with laughter. Well,the competition ended with a tie between a couple from East Lake and Georgia Avenue. The judges then asked the audience for their vote with applause and cheers. We still ended in a tie. How about Barney Sims, Wayne Martin, Marvin Nesbitt and Sean Atkins gave another $100 so both couples could be awarded. What a class move from the AHA Resident Services Team! We also had a special dance selection from a professional dancer, Monica, and wow what a powerful performance! We also had a Grand Finale with all the dancers choreographed by Katie Owens from AHA. Dancing with Lena Horne was great! Special, Special Thanks to CLC and Lane Management for another "In It To Win It" Grand Event.