Seniors Have a Scary-Good Time on the Dance Floor

On Wednesday, Oct. 30th, seniors gathered together at the Joslyn Senior Center to kick off their Halloween early with a Halloween Spooktacular dance, along with a meal, dessert and other entertainment. The Joslyn Senior Center often throws entertainment-based events to unite the seniors and allow them to engage in social activities, event organizers shared. Each year, the Joslyn Senior Center collaborates with the City of Redlands to throw Halloween dances, but this year was slightly different as it marked the beginning of a senior dance event project headed by the city’s Quality of Life Department which aims to unite various senior centers in the city for events such as the Halloween Dance. Linda Rotondo, a long-time volunteer at the Joslyn Senior Center, said, “It’s a good thing that along with [the City of] Redlands—the community—we’re getting it going because a lot of the seniors thrive on the events we put on.” “It makes me feel good to have them come together and socialize. It’s exciting seeing all the seniors have a good time, dancing, and mingling. Working with this age group is amazing,” senior center volunteer Crissie Otero added. The events also emphasize healthy lifestyles, explained senior center volunteer Barbara Gilman. “This event is just to really celebrate having fun and dancing. As for the City of Redlands, we’ve really paved the path for Healthy Redlands, so this fits nicely because we’re getting seniors moving, dancing and socializing. That’s really the key, and it sets the platform for future dances we’re going to have here,” said Gilman. Following dinner, winners of the costume contest were announced in four categories: scariest, funniest, most original, and best couple. Winners received prizes sponsored by the BrightWater organization, which provides catering to residents needing assistance, a care unit for seniors, and promotes independent living. The organization is expected to come out full throttle in February 2014. The prizes consisted of Stater Bros. gift cards and cash. Jennifer H. Lee, sponsor of event and executive director of BrightWater, said, “I’ve worked with seniors for the past 14 years and I love giving seniors a carefree lifestyle.” “Seeing everybody dressed up, come out, have a good time is the best part. Most of our seniors know each other and they know our entertainment. They’re all coming together. We also did sell over capacity so we’re really happy with that. It feels great having people come up to you thanking you for how great the event is,” the senior center’s Lisa Salsberry said. Dan Damon, a musical artist and a former New York Yankee, provided live entertainment he called “the all-time greats.” Seniors wasted no time getting on the dance floor. “A lot of people think they can’t dance anymore, but you’d be surprised because they know how to dance better than a lot of younger people,” said Rotondo. Patty Bracone, a senior who often participates in the center’s dance events, said, “I often come dance here with [my husband]. Joslyn does a wonderful job with seniors. They do so much and provide the best food and entertainment. They’re wonderful people and help our seniors in every way possible.”