On the Town: Fashion show spotlights local models

The Fair Oaks by Regency Park has been voted “Best Senior Living in Pasadena” by the Pasadena Weekly Poll. And Tuesday’s “Fashion Extravaganza,” with its accompanying agenda of day’s activities, was all the proof one could need.

The Fair Oaks’ largest lounge was the setting for the fashion show of ensembles from Draper’s and Damon’s of Pasadena. But it was the models who took center stage. They were all area seniors who have careers, many of whom are also engaged in philanthropy and community service. As fashion commentator Carolyn Robinson described their ensembles, the models showed them off to perfection. Each model was accompanied by one of two handsome men-around-town. Austin Miller from Glendora was an audience favorite. He’s the dashing Geriatric Care Manager at Huntington Home Care in Pasadena. And, ladies, he’s single. But if you like ‘em mature, with some attractive gray at the temples, Roger Gilson is the man for you. (Be advised he’s married to the lovely Joanne Gilson.) Roger, an insurance broker, is the former chair of the military committee for Pasadena’s Red Cross. He was also a member of the board of the Pasadena Historical Society.

On the runway there were two more standouts. Phoebe Sievers, wearing a black top and pants, is the grandmother of 11 children. She is learning to be an actress and is going to an acting coach in Hollywood. She’s hoping to snag one of those lucrative commercials, now that baby boom seniors are popular with casting directors. Phoebe is a Pasadena resident and married to Robert Sievers. Another model from Pasadena was Judy Whiting, wearing a yellow jacket and pants. (Yellow is the season’s “in” color, according to Robinson.) Whiting just had her 52nd wedding anniversary. She is married to John Whiting and has two children and three grandchildren. Judy is also interested in finding an agent for commercials.

Model Maryam Afshar, a standout in a blue pants ensemble, had proud husband Jay Afshar in the audience rooting for her. He brought a camera along to take picture of his beautiful wife as she sashayed down the runway. Maryam noted that with seniors, “It’s not that people want too much, they want too little.”

Rica Duff, Fair Oaks director of marketing, also had her own philosophy on aging. She said, “No negativity, and set goals for yourself.” Toward the end of the fashion show, Duff joined Robinson at the podium. More staff members present were Caroline McColl, executive director of Fair Oaks, and Jeanine Hernandez, director of marketing for Regency Park’s Oak Knoll. Like Fair Oaks, Oak Knoll is also a home for independent and assisted living. McCall and Hernandez both live in Pasadena. Executive Vice President of Regency Park Richard Kale provided gentle supervision.

Of the 125 residents of Fair Oaks, Sally Wills and Floria Mercurio in the audience had good things to say about the fashions. In fact, Mercurio is a longtime customer of Draper’s and Damon’s. Next time she’s there, she plans to use the 20% off certificate in her goody bag. (Goody bags were given to the 100 or so audience members after the show.) According to Tuesday’s schedule at Fair Oaks, Wills and Mercurio could also take advantage of Scrabble, a Target shopping trip, happy hour, music appreciation and a movie.

Also in the audience was Meg Middleman of South Pasadena. Wearing a purple top and belt from Draper’s and Damon’s, she’s a Dilbeck Realtor to seniors. Her guests at the show were clients and Pasadena residents Mary K. Helfrich and Lorene Ozsvath.

Following the fashion show was tea and tours of the facility.

RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.