BY LOREEN BERLIN: The Garden Grove Senior Center, known as the H. Louis Lake Senior Center, was hopping with lots of fun last Wednesday morning as seniors danced, munched on sandwiches, soup and sweets at noon, followed by a champagne toast.
This was a New Year’s Eve party (early, granted), senior-style.
Each Wednesday, seniors can dance to the music of a live band, "The Serenaders." They can also make reservations for a meal at lunch time and enjoy one another's company.
Lunch is a suggested donation of $3.50 for seniors 62 years and older.
BY LOREEN BERLIN: The Garden Grove Senior Center, known as the H. Louis Lake Senior Center, was hopping with lots of fun last Wednesday morning as seniors danced, munched on sandwiches, soup and sweets at noon, followed by a champagne toast.
This was a New Year’s Eve party (early, granted), senior-style.
Each Wednesday, seniors can dance to the music of a live band, "The Serenaders." They can also make reservations for a meal at lunch time and enjoy one another's company.
Lunch is a suggested donation of $3.50 for seniors 62 years and older.
And these seniors dress up for special occasions, and so they attended this party dressed in their finest and cut a pretty good rug.
There are a lot of really good ballroom dancers who attend each monthly function the Community Services Department puts on under the direction of Juan Medina, recreation and human services coordinator.
And there's also the opportunity to participate in line-dancing, so no one is left out.
"Close to 120 people came out to the New Year's event," said recreation specialist Steven Gomez. "Everyone had a good time.”
"This is heaven," said one of the dancers, Fernando Barona. "The seniors come and relax and enjoy listening to this band.”
”This is great exercise," said another dancer, Chun Cha Seraphin.
Gene McHenry said he comes to the Garden Grove Senior Center every Wednesday just to hear the band.
"I attend the Anaheim and Fullerton senior centers too, to hear this live band," he said.
The event culminated with an American flag salute, Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of "God Bless America" by those in attendance.
"Many sincere thanks to staff and volunteers for another wonderful party; bless all of you with a wonderful year of health and happiness in 2016," said volunteer Sarah Goldstein. "And may all of your dreams and wishes come true."
The next big event at the Senior Center is the Valentine's Party, which costs $10 and runs from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be dancing, food and entertainment by The Serenaders, followed in March by a Saint Patrick's Day Party and then Easter will be next.
Dances are held once a month, on special occasions such as Mother's Day and other holiday events according to Medina. But every Wednesday is dance time from 10 a.m. to noon.
