Des Moines' Seniors Sunday Dance Group will soon be tripping the light fantastic at the magnificent Masonic Retirement Center, a/k/a "Landmark by the Sound," known for decades for its architectural beauty and memories.

And you're invited too-assuming your "git up and go" hasn't "got up and went!" Starting Sunday, March 25, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. adults of all ages are welcome at this legendary Masonic building, 23663 Marine View Drive S.

You don't have to dance to have fun. Listening to the lively music of the Bonnie Birch Band and socializing comes easy.

Still, if you feel the urge to try a little rumba, samba, cha-cha, foxtrot, jitterbug or waltz, step right up.

Don't know how to dance? No problem. Barb Juberg, longtime dancer, said, "We'll teach them."

These twinkle-toed seniors know how to do more than two-step.

No reservations are needed. Admission is $4.

A free buffet of finger foods furnished by dancers will be served. Rumor has it Loretta makes great deviled eggs and Barb's specialty sandwich of diced poached chicken, topped with cream cheese and cucumber on dark bread, is yummy.

Senior dances must stay self-supporting to avoid elimination from city programs so donations are appreciated.

Chris Pauk, Des Moines seniors program manager, said, "This move came about when our (activity center) floors were being redone. We thought the room would be too small for the group."

Chris combined local resources with need by contacting Jane Ipsen, director of the Masonic/Landmark Center.

Ipsen said, "Right now we are under construction and I approved the move. Landmark is delighted to be able to serve the Des Moines community in multiple ways.

"The Senior Center approached us for use of the space and the time was open. It was a go!"

What does Landmark expect to see happening from this?

"I would hope that folks have the opportunity to experience the building as so many others before them have," Ipsen said. "It is a beautiful building and a wonderful setting for dances.

"I also hope their presence will help keep the building's spirit alive and well. Some will learn the history of MRC/Landmark from each other and maybe even consider becoming a future resident."

And what an outstanding building it is. The original 85-acre property, purchased in 1924 for $78,000, was later reduced to 30 acres by sale of the east side to a multifamily developer.

The Masonic Home's purpose was to provide a home for Masons and their wives, widows, widowed mothers, Eastern Star and Order of Amaranth members.

Construction began in 1925. The cornerstone was laid May 2, 1927, and with the building finished at a cost of $1 million the first 58 residents moved in that July 12.

Original craftsmanship and materials are awesome. Buildings were constructed then to outlast the mortgage payments.

Nowadays, pride in development seems to take second priority to getting done in a hurry. We live in a "hurry up," world and I wonder if, at the end of life, we'll wonder why we hurried through each precious day-only to be left with a blur of unremarkable memories.

The Masonic building is a heart-warming testimony to past values.

A recent brochure reads, "The majestic castle-like design of the main building has become a community landmark."

Hence, the new name of "Landmark by the Sound."

To meet financial needs, the Masons are expanding public occupancy. Residential wings will be added to the north and south sides of the main building, extending west toward Puget Sound with supporting amenities. It's a multi-million dollar undertaking.

Des Moines senior dances were at Beach Park, the Field House and the activity center. Even Landmark is temporary. Still, nothing stops them from dancing.

Des Moines seniors are not passive. The co-ed softball team is in spring training, dancers are dancing, traveling is hot, Red Hat Ladies are enthusiastic and Sue Padden, Des Moines senior services manager, said, "The energy of these groups is contagious. We should never be too old to do what we love to do. I aspire to that goal."

_Thought: Everybody tells us, "Have a nice day," but nobody tells us how. Do you suppose seniors know the answer?