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The contest was held at the Imlay City Senior Center. For his efforts, Beck, a baritone, won a $270 to Sunburst Tours. "I wasn't surprised because it's an experience I've had throughout the years," the Hadley resident said.

Judges for the competition were Imlay City Mayor Rod Warner, Lapeer County Sheriff Ron Kalanquin, Lapeer Health Department Director Stephanie Simmons, and Bill Ruhlman of North Branch.

"The talent was really good," Warner said. "There were about 10 competitors who were all singing. One guy sang and played the piano. One guy played the guitar and sang. There were old and new songs and the judges had a good time. They did very well and I've heard seniors want to do it again."

Warner said he and the judges commented on each contestant. Then the audience voted on the top three contestants, who were then chosen to sing again.

Beck said he has close to 100 songs memorized. For the competition he sang Frank Sinatra's "Night and Day" because it's "singable" and Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin."

"I sing at retirement homes and sing the songs the residents grew up with," he said.

Music brought Beck and his wife of 40 years, Barbara, together. "I was singing with the McKinney Choirsters, a group of 15-20. We used to put on shows," he said. "She was singing with the Kendall Larks down in Farmington."

These days, Barbara enjoys listening to Russel sing. The duo is sometimes known to sing church hymns together.

Barbara said she is thankful to have a senior center to attend and likes the variety of activities. "It keeps you moving," she said. "Some seniors go everyday.

"We don't have a lot of money. The senior center has been a blessing for a lot of people. It gives you something to do and gets me out of the house."

Jennifer Decker can be reached at 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com