Williamsburg Retirement and Assisted Living to host free community event with Ross Thomas

Though most are in retirement, they all live busy lives thanks to continuous community events that happen once a month.

Members of the Williamsburg Retirement and Assisted Living community, as well as members of the city of Logan, will be able to hear the smooth voice of Ross Thomas on Thursday.

While not the first community event the retirement home has hosted, Yolanda Thomas, the activities director at the assisted living community, said this one will provide something a little different.

"I wanted something a little more formal and I wanted something a little more fancy like they're going out on the town," Thomas said. "I wanted to try to make a special evening with them."

Ross Thomas, Yolanda's husband and longtime musician/actor, said he enjoys the ability to give back to the community.

"When I have time I try to give back to the community," Thomas said. "You try to find music they're going to enjoy. It's not doing your favorite song, but ones that they like. This is basically for them; a night for them to get out and have fun and put some smiles on their faces."

Thomas will be performing songs from the broadway stage, including older and newer musicals.

Coteel "Goodie" Child, a 94 year-old resident of the retirement community, said she has enjoyed her stay at Williamsburg.

"I like it here," Child said. "There are a lot of wonderful people and I feel lucky. This is a good place."

Whether residents have been a part of the community for years, or months, there is a feeling of comradery.

Kaylene Draper, a resident at Williamsburg for a year, said she has also enjoyed her experience and is looking forward to hear Thomas perform.

"I've really enjoyed this place extremely well and it's a home away from home," Draper said. "Thursday night is going to be wonderful. He's a fabulous and wonderful singer. All I can do is praise him, he's so good."

Even those like Shirley Burris, a resident since August, said she has loved her time in the community.

"Oh, I've been treated really well," Burris said. "Ross is just great. In fact he's one of the best I've heard so far. I think it'll be the biggest thing since I've been here."

Yolanda Thomas said these social community events are "crucial" for residents in the retirement community.

"A lot of them have very limited mobility and capability of going out," Thomas said. "There's still so much to enjoy in life and to learn and experience. We try to get them out and if that doesn't happen we try to bring things to them."