Seniors Dance, Dish, Dine, And Dip

At Holiday Party

By Nancy K. Crevier

It was clear and cold outside, but inside the Waterview in Monroe the atmosphere was a warm and welcoming one, Wednesday, December 8, as the Newtown Senior Center hosted its Annual Holiday Party for nearly 100 members and guests.

Near the entrance of the festively decorated ballroom Ann Piccini, director of Newtown Social Services, staffing the raffle ticket sales, and volunteers Patricia Harkin and Phyllis Fives at the 50/50 raffle ticket table, greeted incoming guests. Two huge gift baskets stuffed with holiday treats, each one assembled by members of the Newtown Senior Center, and a Christmas quilt made by quilters at the local Senior Center proved too tempting for most to pass by without purchasing a chance to win.

Early arrivals clustered about the circular appetizer table where Waterview staff had set out oversized martini glasses heaped with fresh fruit, and giant goblets showcasing green and black olives and pickled cocktail onions. Cheese and crackers complemented the wicker basket filled with fresh raw vegetables, a presentation that drew the admiration of many circling the table.

The day’s chill was offset by cups of hot cider and hot chocolate, which could be custom garnished with selections set out in rectangular glass carafes. Choices of mini marshmallows, dark chocolate curls, rock candy, cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, peppermint meringues, or white chocolate chips, with cinnamon or cloves to sprinkle on top, gave guests much to ponder.

Hugs, kisses, and claps on the back were passed about at every table, as partygoers settled in, candle-lit hurricane lamps casting a pleasing glow across the linen topped tables. Above the chatter, the lyrical voices of The Country Gentlemen — Larry Ayce, Denny Cots, and Greg Chassie, and joined this year by vocalist Doreen Alexander — drifted over the dance floor where a few bold couples ventured out, framed against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Zoar.

The conviviality took a brief pause as first Newtown Senior Center Director Marilyn Place, and then Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra welcomed the crowd.

“It’s nice that all are sharing this day together,” said Ms Place, adding her wishes for a “tenderness for the past,” “a cup overflowing,” and a joyful and happy holiday season for all. Mrs Llodra also wished all a “happy holiday season, for this time well spent with family and friends,” as a toast was raised. Then it was back to dancing and dining for the partygoers.

A Monroe resident and member of the Newtown Senior Center, “Because it is so much fun,” Anita Carroll pointed out fellow guest Clarence Knight across the room. “See that Santa cap? I gave it to him as he came in. We’ve been friends a long time, and taken line dancing together,” she said. Mr Knight, ever accommodating, kept the red stocking hat on, even as he took to the dance floor with his wife, Lilo.

At another table, Tina Von Tanhausen and Theresa Alberico shared a laugh as they passed the dinner rolls.

The dress code was dressy casual, but a few revelers added a festive flair to their outfits. Jaunita Klesitz of Sandy Hook could not resist a Christmas tree hat that lit up, and Newtown Senior Center line dance instructor Lynne Flanders added a reindeer antler headband to her party wear. Outgoing Commission on Aging member Ed Rees donned a holiday-themed sweatshirt.

Others opted for the traditional color combinations of red, green, silver, and gold, adding a swirl of color to the room.

“This is just lovely,” commented Senior Center member Florence DePalma, seated with several of her friends at a table.

The afternoon wrapped up with the announcement of winners for the 50/50 raffle, the quilt, and the gift baskets. A delighted Donna Bowe, whose hopes of buying a Senior Center quilt at the Center’s bazaar earlier this fall were thwarted by hip surgery, was the recipient of the Christmas quilt. AnnMarie Macy won the large gift basket, and the smaller gift basket went to Isabelle DeLutio. The 50/50 prizewinners were Terry Pellicci, Tony Esposito, and Karin Aurelia.

“We’re always happy to see so many at this event,” said Ms Place. “Everyone has fun.”