The Newtown Senior Center hosted an afternoon of merriment with its 28th Annual Holiday Party at Michael's at the Grove in Bethel on December 7.

As guests dressed in their finest festive outfits came in from the day's winter chill, longtime Senior Center volunteer Karin Aurelia greeted each person with a warm smile and assisted them in finding their name card at the front table.

Those who had not seen each other throughout the year caught up with dear friends and socialized with their tablemates, making new friends along the way.

Valerie Ide, seated with Luella Dwyer, Aida Reiske, and Terry Curry, said she has attended the Senior Center's holiday party a few times before and enjoys coming back for "the opportunity to get together with people you don't always get to see."

Between talking with friends, many seniors, like Dolly White and Rose Cipolla, visited the raffle table to deposit their tickets in the hopes of winning some of the custom-made gift baskets of goodies. People could select from baskets filled with chocolates, candy wreaths, cookies, candles, lotion, a quilt, and even a tower of holiday boxes on display.

Senior Center volunteer and Bethel resident Mary Ann Posser helped distribute the basket raffle tickets and also ran the 50/50 raffle where half of the total raised would go toward the Senior Center.

When guests were settled in at their tables, Senior Center Director Marilyn Place led the group in a heartwarming toast, reciting a cheerful holiday poem to raise everyone's spirits.

"…May the season be rich with laughter and friends, with closeness of family whose love never ends," Ms Place said in a joyful tone.

Among the more than 80 attendees in the audience was First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, who came to the front of the room, beside Ms Place and Senior Center Assistant Judy Thomas, to speak to the crowd.

He wished everyone a happy holiday and explained that he looks forward to having a presence at the Senior Center.

"It's my goal, for what I'd like to do, to have open forums where I come to lunch a few times a month to hear people's thoughts and concerns," Mr Rosenthal said. "I want to be as helpful as I can to all of you and really expand the level of service that Newtown provides to seniors."

After a round of applause, he took the time to visit each table and speak with the Senior Center members.

At noon, the alluring scent of the gourmet buffet began to fill the room and guests lined up to select from the variety of hot foods.

Michael's at the Grove owner Linda Shakro said some of the items on the menu included sliced top sirloin served with au jus, walnut- and apple-stuffed chicken, and penne pasta with broccoli and roasted red peppers.

John Spremullo, who has attended the Senior Center Holiday Party before, raved, "You can't beat it. There's always great food."

Meanwhile, music DJ John Hemberger of Sandy Hook Entertainment kicked off the dancing portion of the festivities with holiday classics like "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Let It Snow," and took song requests as guests made their way onto the dance floor for an afternoon of fun with friends.