Bloom Township introduces The Teacha’ Band to senior lunch attendees
Sheryl Ford (on stage) introduced the Bloom Township Senior Lunch crowd to members of The Teacha’ Band—Cal Spencer (seated), Royce Harrington, and Antwon and Dawon Washington. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (February 22, 2018) – The theme was “Solid Gold” at Wednesday’s Bloom Township senior lunch, and the musical stylings of The Teacha’ Band included soulful background music, familiar singables, and groovy dance numbers. “Solid Gold” was the theme, so the tables were decorated with gold trappings, and many of the attendees dressed in gold.The Teacha’ Band consists of 10 members, but it was the three brass players who performed for the luncheon. Twin brothers Antwon and Dawon Washington on saxophone and trumpet often form a trio with Royce Harrington on trombone. “We have a cohesive blend,” said Harrington.
From left: Antwon Washington, Royce Harrington, and Dawon Washington play brass in The Teacha’ Band. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Finding entertainment is Sheryl Ford’s biggest challenge when planning the monthly lunches. Ford is Bloom Township’s Senior Director, and she serves men and women of various ethnicities, diverse backgrounds, and a 40-year age range. Booking lunch entertainment that will please everyone is an impossible goal—particularly on a limited budget—so she offers enough variety throughout the year to include something for everyone. Some lunch attenders like to dance, some like music they can sing with, and others prefer to simply socialize at their tables.
To open the Solid Gold lunch, Bloom Township Senior Director Sheryl Ford, dressed in gold, shared some nostalgic facts and trivia about the 1980s TV show, “Solid Gold.” She also provided information about tax help for seniors and the new Medicaid cards. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma) Bloom Township Highway Commissioner Joe Stanfa shared some flooding updates with the crowd—it was the first time in recorded history the Chicago area received more than 20 inches of snow and more than 4 inches of rain in a two-week period. Stanfa encouraged people to contact government officials to ask for help with infrastructure. “You’re seniors,” he said. “You spent your lives building America, and now it’s falling apart. Please get involved. We need help.” (Photo: Melanie Jongsma) While the guests finished lunch, the music began. Here Antwon Washington (saxophone) takes the lead on a soulful number with his brother Dawon (trumpet) and trombonist Royce Harrington. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Line Dance instructor Ginny Coppess brings a group to every Bloom Township Senior Lunch. The lunches are held at the Serbian Social Center, and a big dance floor is available. No matter who the entertainment is, Coppess and her dancers find the beat and get in sync.
The monthly Bloom Township lunch serves seniors from 12 communities, including Lansing. Cost for Bloom Township residents is $6.00. Out-of-township residents are also welcome for $12.00. Tickets are on sale at the Bloom Township Senior Department, 425 S Halsted Street in Chicago Heights.
The lunch is always held at the Serbian Social Center, 18550 Stoney Island Avenue in Lansing. For more information about the March lunch, contact the Bloom Township Senior Department at 708-754-9400, x7270.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
