Seniors enjoy special party

JACKSON - A fabulous '50s Valentine's Day party was held at the Jackson Senior Center on Feb. 11. Seniors listened and danced to the music of Bill Turner and the Smoke House Band.

"I want to thank the wonderful people in charge for providing a Valentine's Day party at the senior center. It was one of the largest crowds I've ever seen. The parties keep getting better and better," said senior Willie Araneo.

Senior center program administrator Sheri Silversmith said more than 190 people signed up to attend the party.

"I am so happy to be getting an overwhelming response to all the events, trips and daily activities at the senior center," Silversmith said. "The seniors are the key to this center. This is their center and I aim to please."

Guests dined on chicken, penne with broccoli and garlic, tossed salad and cake, catered by the Food Service Department of the Jackson School District.

The centerpieces were made by the senior center's first-grade pen pals in Catherine Olgetree's and Bethy Boyuka's. classes at the Switlik School. The seniors have been working with the children since January and will continue to do so through the remainder of the school year.

"Parties are great," said senior Fran Friedman. "It's fun coming to meet your neighbors and friends The staff is very friendly and helpful. The new programs at the center are going great. I'm happy to be an active member of the senior center"

Senior Jo Jo Russo agreed.

"Fantastic, marvelous, exquisite, fun and delicious," Russo said. "To prove this is so successful there is an abundance of seniors who are turning out for these senior center functions and on a day-to-day basis."

Silversmith thankedMayorMark Seda and the Township Council for supporting the senior center events.