Seniors Party it Up for the Holidays

Friends were dancing, costumes were shimmering and conversations were filled with laughter at the West Orange Senior Citizen Holiday Party Thursday afternoon.

The party, in its sixth year, was held at in West Orange. More than 150 senior citizens attended the annual celebration filled with dancing, door prizes, delicious food, music from Kate Baker and her band, and a dance performance from the Syncopated Seniors.

The Syncopated Seniors are a group of women, one a former Rockette, who choreograph dance routines and perform at the holiday party each year. This year the group came adorned in costume — sequined red vests, shining headbands, and of course, tap shoes.

While the crowd happily applauded for the tap dance performance, many couldn't decide their favorite part of the afternoon.

"I enjoyed everything!" said Connie Yacullo after the performance.

Mary Jean Meravi considered the different parts of the party. "The food is great. I like the dancers the best," she said as she began eating dessert.

Rich Meravi took a few bites of his dessert in delight. "You've got chocolate mouse, kiwi, chocolate covered strawberries …" he said, pointing out the different treats on his plate.

The duo belong to a few senior clubs in town, and heard of the holiday party through those groups. This is the third year they were in attendance.

The event, organized by Estrella Bianchi and Patti Duffy from the office of senior citizens, is one of many parties, trips, and activities planned by the township for senior citizens throughout the year.

"The next event coming up is the St. Patrick's day party. Then there's Salute to Seniors in the spring. We do a pool party in September. And we also organize trips and exercise classes," explained Bianchi.

The township's head of senior services used to plan the holiday party annually, but retired earlier in the year. Bianchi and Duffy, who already worked in social service, took over responsibility.

"Social service works a lot with seniors anyway, so it was an easy transition," said Bianchi.

Duffy continued, "This year we stuck to what has been traditionally done, but next year we might introduce some new ideas."

With a glance over to the many tables of happy conversation and dining, Duffy added, "They're such a great community to work with. They're so lively, and such a pleasure."