by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Poodle skirts filled the Aetna building’s lobby Tuesday as the South Shore Group celebrated the building’s 50th anniversary and Tenant Appreciation Day.
Tenants of the building are Aetna, the Taxpayer Advocate Office, Federal Employee Benefits Group, Harvard Jolly, Stoneburner, Berry and Simmons, Ideal Image and recent move-in Nemours Brightstar.
The 2,200 tenants were treated to a 1950s sock hop created by Renaissance Creative Services.
The party included a photo opportunity with actors portraying Buddy Holly and Marilyn Monroe, old-style pinball machines, professional East Coast/West Coast swing dancers by the Dance Elite Dance Club and a costume contest.
A jukebox played tunes and swing dancers took over the floor. Several onlookers became dancers themselves when a nostalgic song came on. Diane Ricketts, who was on the floor, said, “I forgot who what it was like to dance with a young one.”
The first 500 people to arrive received penny candy gift bags.
Attendees who dressed up in 1950s threads had their photos taken and everyone had a chance to vote on the favorite. One participant, Tangela Jones-Kelly, hand-made her red poodle skirt.
“It was pretty easy. The sequins took a long time,” she said. She also noted that there was “stiff competition” for best costume.
The first place winner received dinner for two at Morton’s and Jaguar Club Seat tickets. Second place received Jaguar tickets and third place received a gift certificate to Football Fanatics.
Vice President Property Manager of the South Shore Group Betsy Reichert said the event was exclusively for tenants.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the anniversary,” she said. “One lady in this building has been here for 39 years. For some people this was the first job they ever had, and their only job. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ and to keep the celebration going.
In April the group had a luncheon with various VIPs to celebrate.