PARKVILLE, MD—Move over, Donald Driver.  Season three of Dancing with the Oak Crest Stars captured the imagination and hearts of dance enthusiasts in northeast Baltimore County.

Ten couples from the Erickson Living retirement community, consisting of one resident and one employee, took to the stage for three sold-out performances on May 8 and 9. 

After the votes were tallied, Joann Huebler (Sales & Marketing) and Eugene Miller earned first place for their beautiful waltz.  Dr. Vicky Vanik (Medical Center) and Andrew Lioi placed second for their swing dance.  June Earles and Steve Arthur (Dining Services) came in third place for their foxtrot. 

The champions were announced on WOCV-TV, the in-house television station, on June 1^st.

“Everyone was a winner,” stated Todd Sullivan, Director of Philanthropy.  “Each couple was outstanding, rehearsing months in advance to put on three memorable performances.  And the shows couldn’t have been done without the residents and employees who served as contributors and dance coaches.  They truly shared their talents to ensure an entertaining experience for our audience.”

Sullivan announced that over $26,000 was raised for the Student Scholar and Benevolent Care Funds of Oak Crest, bringing the three-year total to $80,000 from the series.

Following each dance number, a panel of three judges consisting of Executive Director Colleen LoPresto, Pastoral Ministries Manager Jim Truitt and international award-winning ballroom dancer and Oak Crest resident Darlene Carter graded the couples.

Residents and employees then voted for their favorite couples during a three-week window as the performances were re-broadcast on WOCV-TV. 

Oak Crest resident Irma Seitz served as the director and producer of the program.  Dance coaches and planning committee consisted of residents Walt Ballesteros, Darlene Carter and Gerry Onorato.  Oak Crest employee Nandy Rivera served as a dance coach and contributor.

PNC Bank served as a proud sponsor of this year’s competition.

2012 Dancing with the Oak Crest Stars Performers:

• Louisa Axon and Larry Perez: Rumba
• Michelle Caldwell and Nandy Rivera: Bachata
• June Earles and Steve Arthur: Fox Trot
• Joann Huebler and Eugene Miller: Waltz
• Dee Monostori and Todd Sullivan: Broadway
• Debbie Montgomery and Hal Forst: Disco
• Gerry Onorato and Michael Friedel: Cha-Cha
• Lindsey Titus and Walt Ballesteros: Bolero/Rumba
• Dr. Vicky Vanik and Andrew Lioi: Swing
• Mercedes West and Mark Roussey: Tango