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GRIFFIN - The ballroom at the Moose Lodge in Griffin was full on Saturday, April 26, when citizens of Pike and neighboring counties gathered for the Armed Forces Appreciation Dance. The event was a partnership of the Friends of the J. Joel Edwards Public Library and Griffin Moose Lodge # 1503.

Cadets from Georgia Military College performed the National Anthem and presented the American flag, and Rev. Jack Landham said a prayer of gratitude before all present sang “God Bless America.” After the celebratory dinner prepared by Trudy Gill of Trudy Gill Leadership and Development, the guests took to the dance floor. The Night Train Swing Band performed music from the time of the Korean Conflict through the Iraqi War, and NoteWorthy singing group sang period songs.

DJ Bill Mitchell coordinated the line dance music, and Master of Ceremonies Dick Morrow directed the program of the evening. Professional dancers C. Smith and D. J. Duncan of the Dance Centre Ballroom Studio in Macon conducted a 30-minute dance lesson and danced with the guests.

Two big raffle prizes were donated by our sponsor Jose Garcia of Global Blue Trading Georgia: proceeds from LG C3 Smart TV benefited the Friends of J. Joel Edwards Public Library, and proceeds from GE Smart Refrigerator benefited Hanleiter Veterans Center.

Big thank you to our generous sponsors: Mike Conner of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, Ellis Crook of Crooks Super Corporation, First National Bank, Ted Manolis of Guardian-Krav Maga, and Julie Smith of PC Pawn.

“We want to offer high quality social events to our community,” said Bobby Bunn, Vice President of the Friends of J. Joel Edwards Public Library, “and a dance is a perfect venue because it offers a fun and healthy pastime for people of all ages. And it doesn’t matter if you are a dancer, just starting out or don’t dance at all—we have something fun for everyone.”

To donate, become a member, or see our upcoming events, please visit www.friendsofjoel.com.

In the pictures (taken by Becky Watts of Pike County Times): the Night Train Swing Band performing at the Armed Forces Dance and the guests dancing.