My name is Linda Lee Filener, and I am fortunate enough to be a part of the Country Connection Band that plays for the 55+ Dance Club. The Dance Club rents the Senior Center on Montezuma Street in Cortez.
Dance time is from 7 to 10 p.m. every Thursday night of the year, except Thanksgiving and the last two weeks in December, which time is used to renovate the floor. I play the rhythm guitar along with Audrey Allmon (piano), Larry Hauser (bass guitar and fiddle) and our newest member, Ray Cassity (lead guitar). I love to play and sing the old songs from the past. My favorite kinds of music to play are waltzes and the two-step, although I really enjoy watching the folks dance to the Cotton-Eyed-Joe or Put-YourLittleFoot.
From the bands little corner of the hardwood dance floor I see a lot of the goings on and have been totally amazed at these dancing troubadours. I have been witness to friendships that have lasted and grown so strong over the years and friendships that develop instantly when a new guest or a couple walks through the door for the first time. Once you step through those doors, youre family! We even have RV travelers who come to the area each year from different parts of the country to stop by to dance and visit.
I have seen people come in with lonely looking faces and some that have some trouble getting around, and in a few short weeks theyll be laughing and dancing all evening long! Im not sure if it is the dancing or the camaraderie that gets the credit, but something sure changes! Of course Im not saying its a cure-all, but if you have the desire to dance, visit or just sit and listen, you will feel better for the experience.
The band takes a short break mid-way through the dancing to enjoy fellowship, coffee and cookies, all of which are supplied by the 55+ Dance Club from a small donation given at the door. If your specialty is homemade cookies, and you would like to donate to the sweet tooth, I certainly know how to take care of that! The cookies I mean!
The younger folks, (under 55) that join in sometimes have a difficult time keeping up with some of our seniors, but they get hooked just the same and we see them most every Thursday night.
Along with the rest of the Country Connection Band and the 55+ Dance Club, we would like to extend to you, a standing invitation to come out and give us a try!
For more information, contact Leila, our club secretary, at 560-1000.