5-Year-Olds Please Octogenarians; Gatorade A Lifesaver

MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY: Smiles appeared on dozens of octogenarian’s faces at the “Fifth Annual Teddy Bear Follies” at the YMCA, in beautiful downtown Montclair. [Wally–see attached photo flash of Montclair mayoral election. Crop out Hoboken official sent to prison last year].

We love the YMCA! Site of the infamous “Teddy Bear Follies!”

Choreographer Tenille Whipple (53), said, “It just warms my heart to see the seniors enjoying my dancers doing their first ballet recital. The kids love dancing for “Grammy” and “Gramps.” (see Whipple’s website, http://www.icouldhavedancedallnight.com)

The performance was momentarily interrupted when Diane “Chi Chi” Applegate, 94, became dehydrated, and needed to be given Gatorade. Ms. Applegate, who never married, summoned the pluck she said she learned working in a munitions factory in World War II, and quickly recovered.

The irrepressible tots followed the dictum, “the show must go on,” and resumed their routine set to the 80s Madonna hit, “Like A Virgin.” [insert photo flash of Madonna through the decades].

Dvds of the almost three-hour performance can be purchased at the YMCA. Proceeds go to teaching children with no rhythm to dance. (www.helpthosewhocantmove.org)

Authentic photograph of munitions factory where “Chi Chi” Applegate worked in the 1940s. Good for you, Chi Chi!