Despite the bitter cold and winds that threatened to sweep attendees off to Oz, Chowan University hosted a record-breaking turnout of 400 for the annual SeniorFEST event on March 26.

Tom Key, a faith-based performance artist, was the keynote speaker for the occasion. Key is nationally celebrated for creating, starring in, and co-authoring the musical hit, Cotton Patch Gospel. Fueled by faith and what was surely a considerable amount of jumping bean, he performed selected scenes from the critically acclaimed musical, thrilling audience members with the colloquial rendition of the birth of Christ. If there was one thing to take away from his performance, it is the adage, “Man cannot live by grits alone.” The show was a knee-slapping good time—for those not stricken with vertigo.

In cooperation with Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, the North Carolina Baptist Foundation, the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (ECU—College of Nursing), the UNC Center for Aging and Health: Carolina Geriatric Education Center, and the Hertford Health Maintenance Alliance: Taskforce on Aging, the 2019 breakout sessions included panels on genealogy, fall prevention, brain health, Medicare basics and changes, cross-generational serving, and planned giving lessons from Aunt Bertha. And if the keynote performance left you wanting more, Key also held a breakout session on “The Art of Acting, the Art of Being You.”

The Keepers of Faith gospel ensemble performed after a lunch of fried chicken. The group had the crowd clapping and singing along with their acapella renditions of gospel favorites.

“SeniorFEST is one of my favorite days on campus. I get to see long-time friends and make new ones, too! I can always count on exceeding my daily hug quota,” says Lou Ann Gilliam, Director of Church Relations at Chowan and Chief SeniorFEST Event Wrangler.

SeniorFEST is an annual event held on the Chowan campus for senior adults. It highlights Christian living, healthy lifestyles, and brings attention to issues that many aging adults face. With special guest speakers, informative breakout sessions, live entertainment, traditional southern buffet, and door prizes, SeniorFEST offers to many a day of fellowship and fun.