Story & Photos by Don Backman
A steady stream of ghosts, skeletons, witches, and a pair of black leather-clad bikers entered the Tillamook Elks Lodge on Saturday, October 26th. There was a definite Halloween dress-up theme.
“You need to talk to Stella. She practically grew up putting on this event,” commented Brett Hurliman, the person nominally in charge of the 2024 Rotary Senior Citizen Prom, said, taking a short break from welcoming attendees at the door. He proudly pointed out his daughter, Stella Hurliman. “She’s the person who is actually running this. I’m just here to help.”
High School Seniors in Oregon are required to complete a senior service-learning project before graduation. For Stella Hurliman, Tillamook High School senior, the choice to take on the Rotary Senior Citizen Prom was as natural as walking. “This is my senior project,” she reported. “I’ve been involved in the event since I was little. This is the 7th year, and we had to skip covid.”
“The challenge is getting people to come out post-covid,” she added. “Some people are still reluctant. I worked hard to get the word out, and even went to 5 Rivers to invite people.”
“We have 68 RSVP’s. We are hoping for a big turnout.” Attendance was free and came with lunch and entertainment. A photo wall was set up on one side and of course a DJ and dance floor. “This is a way to give back to the community that is so supportive all year.”
A typically super-busy senior, in addition to the Senior Citizen Prom, Hurliman plays basketball and golf. She dances at the Tillamook School of Dance, is the senior class Charity Drive Class President, and is also the THS Vice President.
“I will have over thirty hours in this event,” she reported. “One reason I wanted to do this is I want to do therapy as a career. I want to be able to work with people, young and old. I’ve worked with young kids, and wanted to work with older people to find out which age I like better. I ask the senior citizens for life lessons so I can learn from them.”
The room steadily filled as people arrived and found a table. The annual Senior Citizen Prom is free to attend and is open to people from throughout the county and all senior citizens and retired folks are invited each year. Tillamook Rotary puts on the annual event. This high school senior showed our senior citizens a great time with the 2024 Senior Citizens Halloween Prom.
