Beaming ear to ear, deFrates was just one of nine ladies who gracefully glided around the Brentwood Senior Activity Center on Aug. 14, showing off the latest trends for women this fall.

Brentwood Senior Citizens Club President Lynda Oliver she was delighted by the turnout of more than 130 people to the club's third annual event. "This was a great event for seniors in the community to see what the club and the senior center are all about," she said. "You know, there aren't many occasions to get all dressed up once you hit a certain age. We seniors don't get to go to proms, so this is a fun way for the ladies to get dressed up and be admired.

"All women love to play dress-up, and what a treat for them to get to walk around on the arm of a handsome gentleman. Now these ladies have photos to show their friends and family that clearly illustrate that they do not live a dull life. They are active and involved, and that is what the club is all about."

Models Elaine Allen, Stella Brown, Lydia Campos, Marlene Cook, Laura Jaramillo, Hermie Rasey, Bev Rossi, Dolcie Tullis and deFrates took turns donning formal and casual wear, walking around the senior center as audience members enjoyed lunch. As the ladies twirled to show off the season's latest styles, members of the crowd clapped and some men even cheered and whistled when they saw something they liked.

Tullis, who has modeled in the past, said it was fun to be part of the show, especially since it helped draw more people to the center.

Oliver said the event was a win-win for the seniors as well as the participating local businesses. The show featured fashions sold at Chico's, Coldwater Creek, TJ Maxx, Catwalk, Oak Street Boutique, and His and Her Formal Wear. More than 20 other local businesses donated items for a raffle, and all proceeds were donated to the seniors club.

Councilman Bob Brockman, who served as an escort during the event along with Brentwood Press Publisher Greg Robinson and Brentwood Recreation Supervisor Mac Kaiser, auctioned off two dinner parties in which the winners, along with three of their friends, were invited to dine with Brockman and his wife at Shutters Brasserie. The dinners went for $100 each.

Bev Rossi, who also modeled in the show, was one of the winners. She said she was more than happy to bid on the prize as the money went to a good cause, and signing the check was a lot easier than modeling.

"It was fun to get up and play dress-up, but it was nerve wracking," Rossi said. "Lynda convinced me to do it. I'll do anything to support the club and the center, though. This is such a nice place the seniors have here, and I want to support that."

Oliver said the community and business support to put the event together is testament to the community spirit that is unique to Brentwood. "Businesses went out of their way to help us, and that just goes to show that it is a privilege to live in this community," she said. "Brentwood is so kind to its seniors, and this new senior center is such a wonderful gathering place. You won't find a place like this anywhere else."

Oliver said she was pleased with the number of new people she met at the event and hopes more seniors in the area will be encouraged to join the seniors club and participate in upcoming activities held at the center.

Up next, the senior center, located at 193 Griffith Lane, will serve as the stage for a performance of "On Golden Pond" presented by the Vagabond Players on Wednesday, Sept. 23. For more information, call Brentwood Parks and Recreation at 925-516-5444.