Silver and Gold Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 11

Thelma Skalinsky: “Our 90 year old role model” Coco Chanel once said, “A woman should be two things: classy and fabulous”. Thelma Skalinsky is the complete embodiment of this statement. When Thelma walks into class everyone takes notice of her beautifully coiffed hair, her meticulously applied make up, her well manicured nails, and her crisp white blouse with tailored black pants. But mostly, they notice the way she carries herself – tall and beautiful. She is a role model for the over one hundred members of the Burlington Footnotes Senior Performing Troupe. Thelma began her dance training at the age of four in 1928 with ballet, tap and acrobatics. She danced until age 13 and did not return to dancing until 60 years later, – By Rosemarie Maurice when she enrolled in a tap class for seniors in Hamilton. When the Burlington Footnotes group was formed in 2001, Thelma was among the first to sign up. One of her more memorable performances in 12 years of the dance group’s Gotta Sing Gotta Dance was as a housemaid who lived out her fantasy of performing a strip tease – complete with feathered fans! In 2006 Thelma’s daughter Gail signed up in preparation for the Footnotes’ annual performance. In addition to her regular dancing and singing performances, Thelma performed a duet with Gail to “Together Wherever We Go”. It was a show-stopper and represented their very close relationship. They have performed this number many times for community shows at seniors’ centres and retirement homes. Thelma always stands out in any Footnotes’ number in which she appears. She is the tall woman with the lilt in her step and the smile on her face. It is obvious she is having a ball and her enthusiasm is contagious. Footnotes members regard her as a role model and aspire to have her energy and style. The Burlington Footnotes is proud to have Thelma Skalinsky as a member, as she continues to kick up her heels at the age of 90! Thank you for being a great role model Thelma! • What’s your reason What’s your reason? Inspiration takes many forms. Whether you play Bach Ba Inspiration takes many forms. Whether you play or Chopsticks, staying connected to your love of love of or Chopsticks, staying connected to your music is isgreat reason to get your hearing checked. music a a great reason to get your hearing checke Call or visit us today. There’s no better time to book a Call or visit us today. There’s no better time to boo complimentary hearing evaluation and try hearing aids complimentary cost, and no obligation.* for two weeks at no hearing evaluation and try hearing for two weeks at no cost, and no obligation.* Exclusive discounts available to our national partners at CAA. Exclusive discount ́