Seniors rock the center for Christmas

By Janet redyke
VERNON — Vernon Seniors celebrated the Christmas season with their annual party held at the Vernon Senior Center on Dec. 15 with a noontime gala. The center hall was decked in seasonal decorations, beautiful table settings as the jolly partiers joined in wearing holiday sweaters, elf and Santa hats and light-up ties.
The seniors enjoyed a delightful luncheon catered by the Lamp Post Restaurant. The menu began with cheese and crackers and fresh fruit, followed by penne vodka, sausage and peppers, salad and an entrée of Chicken Francaise, roasted red potatoes and green beans, followed by a dessert of apple crisp.
DJ Alan Boles alternated between classic oldies and classic Christmas tunes and senior participation karaoke. Partier Frank Macherone and senior center Zumba instructor Nick Marchesin together did a karaoke rendition of Dominic the Donkey. The afternoon continued with merriment, good cheer and dancing.
Party organizers senior center coordinator Jane Damstra and Director of Community and Recreation Michelle Downtain planned the function and along with several kitchen elf volunteers served at the party for the entire afternoon. One volunteer was Mayor Harry Shortway, who wore an elf apron and seemed to know his way around the kitchen.
Chocolate favor treats, donated by the Candy Apple Shop of Glenwood were presented to each party senior at the end of the amazing afternoon.