2014 Club Twenty – One Annual Shining Moments

If one believed AAA, more than 36 million people will take to the roads this Memorial Day weekend. I was one of them. I traveled less than 15 miles to the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center for the 2014 Club Twenty-one annual Shining Moments. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; I and many others welcome the sunshine, warmth, and longer days of sunlight. Not to forget the reason for this federal holiday, remembering those who have died in military service defending our freedom.

Many people’s primary focus can be celebrating one another with an annual barbecue or get-together. I always ask why we need special days and times to remember special people. But apparently, we do; holidays and special times are perfect for slowing down life’s busyness and focusing on essential times and situations that should not be overlooked.

I shared with you last year the history of Club 21, the social club my husband has been a member of for the previous 20 years. This year’s celebration marked the 68th annual dinner dance, a great legacy and social event in the Harrisburg African American community. I love that the dinner dance is always the Saturday before Memorial Day so one can take the time to remember those who have died and served in the military on the official holiday, Monday.

The dinner dance is always the festive and enchanting occasion to mingle with friends and see people you may not have seen over the last year. I love seeing what everyone is wearing during the reception hour and how one can transform into Cinderella with beautiful short cocktail dresses, gorgeous gowns in every conceivable color, updos, chignons, and French braids.

I can’t overlook the men, tuxedos, white dinner jackets, and dark suits, who look dapper. The all-men Club 21 group appoints a dinner dance chair every year. I love seeing how the gala chair and their committee pay close attention to every detail as they plan the annual event: formal handwritten invitations arrive one month before the date of the event, fresh flower arrangements on all twenty-one tables, the number “21” spotlighted on the wall, entertainment, menu selections, onsite photographer available all night to capture everyone’s in their finery.

This year, all our Club 21 guests were from out of town. My husband and I usually continue our annual gathering with brunch the next day, but this year, we chose the Sheraton Hotel for a breakfast buffet instead of our home.

Each year, we invite special friends to the annual dinner dance. My lovely niece, the soon-to-be photographer, attended with her hubby this year.

My friend, colleague, Etsy business owner, prayer partner, fellow blogger friend, and her husband were also in attendance. It’s beautiful when one can feast, celebrate, and enjoy the company of family and friends. We also hosted our wonderful long-time friends from Maryland.

I hope you have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who have died to ensure freedom for us in the United States, as well as relax with your family and friends this Memorial Day weekend. Do you have any shining moments to share?