ALOHA! Seniors Enjoy A Day At The Islands At Their Annual Luau
Two hundred seniors, in their island finery, gathered at the Donna Smallwood Activities Center in August for their festive Annual Hawaiian Luau! The Center was positively “hanohano” with beautiful Hawaiian decorations, as were the merrymakers in their grass skirts, mumus, wild island shirts, colorful leis and crowns of flowers.
Their senior vaudeville dance group, The Raisin’ Canes, gave hula demonstrations and led them in song and dance to “Tiny Bubbles,” “Ukelele Lady” and “Lovely Hula Hands, which brought smiles and applause in response to the colorful luau show. After some lively solo numbers, the Canes led everyone in a Hawaiian chain dance with pom-poms, maracas and bubbles, ending in lines for the delicious island lunch. They hugged, sang and danced away the afternoon to the music of Eric Nolkamter. The seniors love the music and love to dance! They whirled to the waltz, swing, tango and Latin dances so popular now, and lively line dancers circled the floor. Those who weren’t dancing were tapping their toes, singing and enjoying the island atmosphere and the beautiful melodies. After a delicious dessert and bowls of punch, many happy party goers were awarded prizes—lovely centerpieces and extra special raffle gifts. A truly fun and exciting way to spend a summer afternoon!
The Smallwood Center hosts a dance on the second Wednesday of every month. Everyone is anticipating the gala party and dance on September 15th celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Center. It will feature a delicious lunch and dance music by Mike Jacobs. On October 13th is their Octoberfest with dancing to the music of Frank Cardone. November 10th brings the annual Turkey Trot with music by Glen Toth and December 8th is the Christmas Gala at St. Vladimir’s Church with music by Al Battistelli. Advance tickets are required for these parties, and may be purchased at the Center. You can buy single tickets or reserve tables for your group and look forward to a fun and exciting day filled with good food, good music and wonderful company!
If you are over 55 years of age, come to the Center any weekday between 8:00 and 4:00. Located at 7001 West Ridgewood Drive, it's behind City Hall, just up the hill at the first light east of Ridge. All seniors are welcome! JoAnn Mason, Director of the Center, or one of the friendly, capable staff will be happy to show you around. Join them for lunch every weekday at noon, and take part in any of the many fun and informative activities on the schedule every day! They offer line dancing, group singing, pinochle, bridge, chess, pool, computer classes, support groups, conversation groups, quilting, crafts, senior exercise, Wii leagues, Bingo, parties, dances, trips, advice on health coverage and programs available to seniors, and so much more. They are even starting a band! There are special days for free blood pressure and health screenings and interesting and informative presentations by many senior-related providers. They also offer home delivered meals and bus transportation programs. (Call 440.885.8143 for bus details) Stop in and pick up a copy of their 28-page monthly newsletter/magazine, The Center Line, for a complete listing of lunch menus, calendar of daily activities, party and trip listings, local events and great articles for seniors! Also, be sure to visit their colorful, musical website at www.smallwoodcenter.com. Stop in any weekday between 8:00 and 4:00 to meet old friends and make new ones. You’ll be so welcome—and you'll be so glad you did!
Have a little spare time? The Smallwood Activities Center always needs volunteers! If you’d like to be part of this helpful, friendly group, please call 440.885.8800 for more information, or to ask any questions about this outstanding facility for seniors.
Judy Martins, Editor
“The Center Line”