Posted 11:47 pm Saturday, February 04, 2012
Moms, Sons Celebrate With Dance
By JACQUE HILBURN-SIMMONS
Staff Writer
Jace Sanford, 6, was all smiles Friday as he strutted into Glass Recreation Center donning a spiffy new bow tie and a special lady on his arm.
The boy was among dozens of young men attending the third Mother/Son Valentine Dance, a semi-formal event designed just for little gentlemen, ages 4 to 12, and the significant women in their lives.
“I’m proud,” Jace said, straightening his tie.
His mother, Misty Scott, glowing in her shimmery evening attire, appeared equally pleased, saying, “I’m here to have a night out with my son.”
About 116 people attended the event which helps fund Tyler Parks and Recreations activities.
“This event teaches young men how to go out on a proper date and it helps them learn how to treat a lady,” Special Events Manager Debbie Isham said. “It creates a special time just for them, a night to remember.”
Staff Writer
Jace Sanford, 6, was all smiles Friday as he strutted into Glass Recreation Center donning a spiffy new bow tie and a special lady on his arm.
The boy was among dozens of young men attending the third Mother/Son Valentine Dance, a semi-formal event designed just for little gentlemen, ages 4 to 12, and the significant women in their lives.
“I’m proud,” Jace said, straightening his tie.
His mother, Misty Scott, glowing in her shimmery evening attire, appeared equally pleased, saying, “I’m here to have a night out with my son.”
About 116 people attended the event which helps fund Tyler Parks and Recreations activities.
“This event teaches young men how to go out on a proper date and it helps them learn how to treat a lady,” Special Events Manager Debbie Isham said. “It creates a special time just for them, a night to remember.”
The department plans to kick off its sixth annual Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dances today, also at Glass Recreation Center, 501 W. 32nd St.
About 400 people are expected to attend the sold-out events, which are divided into two sessions, according to age groups.
“These, by far, are the most popular events we have all year, next to the fall festival,” Ms. Isham said. “We see people coming back year after year.”
Proud mom Kimberly Johnson showed up with a trio of young escorts, Montrell Wade, 7, and twins, Armon and Damon Johnson, 11.
“It is a pleasure to be here tonight,” she said, her eyes glistening with emotion. “They make me very proud.”
About 400 people are expected to attend the sold-out events, which are divided into two sessions, according to age groups.
“These, by far, are the most popular events we have all year, next to the fall festival,” Ms. Isham said. “We see people coming back year after year.”
Proud mom Kimberly Johnson showed up with a trio of young escorts, Montrell Wade, 7, and twins, Armon and Damon Johnson, 11.
“It is a pleasure to be here tonight,” she said, her eyes glistening with emotion. “They make me very proud.”
Ms. Johnson said she had five sons, but lost one to an accident last year.
“We are thankful for our time together,” she said. “They are my great guys.”
The boys, dressed identically in red and black, said their mother looked beautiful.
“Cool,” Montrell said, sharing his take on a night out with mom.
The evening included a live DJ, music, dancing, refreshments and an opportunity to purchase commemorative photographs.
Sherri Garcia and son, Gabriel, 6, seemed to enjoy the refreshments and a few spins on the dance floor.
“This is excellent,” she said. “He was so excited to come.”
Michelle Chesley said her son, Cade Chesley, 7, wanted a new suit for the occasion so they went shopping. He got a suit and Mom got a shimmery party dress.
Cade said his mother looked pretty.
“I think this is great,” a beaming Ms. Chesley said. “A lot of times we don’t get to spend enough time with our kids.”
To liven up the occasion, Ms. Chesley brought along neighbors, Nikki Byrd and her sons Blake and Ashton Byrd, ages 6 and 8 respectively; and the boys’ aunt, Dr. Laura Ferguson.
“I love it, what a great, great idea,” Ms. Byrd said. “It’s fun to get dressed up.”
Glass Recreation Center Manager Ann Santana said the events never fail to create lasting memories.
“I think this sets the tone for good family bonding,” she said. “Parents are a child’s first teacher. This is an evening they will never forget.”
“We are thankful for our time together,” she said. “They are my great guys.”
The boys, dressed identically in red and black, said their mother looked beautiful.
“Cool,” Montrell said, sharing his take on a night out with mom.
The evening included a live DJ, music, dancing, refreshments and an opportunity to purchase commemorative photographs.
Sherri Garcia and son, Gabriel, 6, seemed to enjoy the refreshments and a few spins on the dance floor.
“This is excellent,” she said. “He was so excited to come.”
Michelle Chesley said her son, Cade Chesley, 7, wanted a new suit for the occasion so they went shopping. He got a suit and Mom got a shimmery party dress.
Cade said his mother looked pretty.
“I think this is great,” a beaming Ms. Chesley said. “A lot of times we don’t get to spend enough time with our kids.”
To liven up the occasion, Ms. Chesley brought along neighbors, Nikki Byrd and her sons Blake and Ashton Byrd, ages 6 and 8 respectively; and the boys’ aunt, Dr. Laura Ferguson.
“I love it, what a great, great idea,” Ms. Byrd said. “It’s fun to get dressed up.”
Glass Recreation Center Manager Ann Santana said the events never fail to create lasting memories.
“I think this sets the tone for good family bonding,” she said. “Parents are a child’s first teacher. This is an evening they will never forget.”
