[Ed. Note — The following contribution was submitted by Max Carroll, who attended the anniversary event.]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Over 80 members and guests of the local Prime Timers World Wide chapter attended the group’s 20th anniversary celebration on April 20.
Held at Park Road Baptist Church, the event included dinner and entertainment. The dining hall was beautifully decorated with round tables covered with linen tablecloths and a lovely mirror centerpiece on each table. Pictures taken over the last 15 years of chapter events were projected on a huge screen during the social hour.
Sam Powell, president of Charlotte Prime Timers welcomed the group and invited them to enjoy a delicious buffet catered by Bistro Catering and Events, Concord, N.C.
After the meal, LaWana Mayfield, a Democrat, representing District 3 on Charlotte City Council, welcomed the group on behalf of the City of Charlotte. Michael Simmons read a letter of welcome from the pastors of Park Road Baptist Church.
Jim Thompson, former president of Charlotte Primers, served as host of the event and introduced the entertainment for the evening, which consisted of comedy and incredible singing from drag queen Roxy C. Moorecox, several numbers sung by Seventh Sons, an ensemble from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, and the brass ensemble from the Charlotte Pride Band.
Rob Howard, President of Prime Timers Worldwide, gave the keynote address. He spoke on the history of Prime Timers, which was founded in Boston in 1987 by a retired professor, Woody Baldwin, and has grown to over 75 chapters worldwide. He also spoke on current Prime Timer initiatives, including housing for elderly gay men. An after-party was held at Sidelines Sports Bar.
Learn more about Prime Timers and hear more from local chapter president Sam Powell in our April 26, 2013, print edition’s cover feature, “Gay & Gray.” Out on newsstands and online on Friday.