Serving Our Seniors Magazine: July - September 2026

For the women of JUST A NUMB3R , age is not a limitation — it is an invitation to live life more boldly, joyfully, and publicly than ever before. That was very apparent to Serving Our Seniors when they first performed in Serving Our Seniors Spring Show in 2025 and invited back to perform in the Tony Orlando & Dawn Show in 2026. They rocked it! A true inspiration to all who are older in age. Founded by Shirley Drayer, Just A Numb3r is a vibrant dance crew for adults age 55 and better. The Northern Ohio-based group performs in parades, festivals, community events, and stage productions, bringing high energy, colorful costumes, and contagious enthusiasm everywhere they go. The idea came to Shirley while reflecting on her own childhood experiences performing in parades and special events. “I thought to myself, ‘Why are kids having all the fun? Why can’t we have fun too?’ ” she said. In May 2025, I interviewed 11 of the group’s 29 members, shortly after they completed a performance at the Barton Center in Lakewood, Ohio. Their stories revealed far more than a dance troupe. Just A Numb3r has become a source of friendship, confidence, wellness, and renewed purpose. They are a true inspiration to anyone age 55+. When asked whether they perform in parades, the dancers answered with a loud and immediate, “Yes!” Laura Trsek, 57, proudly added, “We are award-winning parade performers,” as everyone laughed and nodded. They earned The Most Spirited Award in 2024 for Lakewood, Ohio’s July 4th parade. For many members, joining the dance crew opened doors they never expected later in life. JUST A NUMB3R: Girls Who Just Want to Have FUN! By Sue Daugherty Shelly Colyer, 81, summed up her experience in two heartfelt words: “New friends.” She added, “I’m here because I love singing, music, and dancing. After all, age is just a number.” Loura Trsek, 57, credits the group with helping her stay active and socially connected. “As older adults, we tend to isolate ourselves,” she explained. “We get comfortable sitting at home, forget to get up and do things, and we stop moving.” What began as a small step outside her norm became something transformational. “All of a sudden, I’m on stage and I’m a dancer!” she laughed. “Now I’m moving, staying healthy, enjoying the camaraderie, and helping people.” Lesley Jarovolim, 63, rediscovered a piece of herself through dance. A former child dancer who is now retired, Leslie shared, “I’m trying to take back some of the joy I had as a child.” Sue Tomasello, 65, had never danced before joining the group. “I didn’t even know anything about putting on makeup,” she joked. But she said the welcoming atmosphere immediately made her feel comfortable. “The people were really friendly. I can’t move my hips like some people do, but I’m just having fun.” That sense of acceptance is exactly what Shirley hoped to create. “There’s no competition and no jealousy,” she said. “ We are just here to have fun. There are no auditions to belong. Most of us have never had any prior dance experience,” she added. Shelly Loura Lesley Sue Shirley 12