Seniors ‘Light up the Night’ at the Daytime Senior Citizen New Year’s Eve Party

Post author:independentnws
Post published:January 3, 2017
Post category:BlackJack / Spanish Lake / Entertainment / Travel / Events / Ferguson / Florissant / Hazelwood / Health / Seniors
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Story and photos By Nichole Fetters

Once again, the seniors of Florissant rang in the New Year at the James J Eagan Center with the annual City of Florissant Senior Citizen New Year’s Eve Celebration from 10 until 2 on Dec. 31

In order for this annual event to take place, the City of Florissant’s 18 Member Senior Commission and the Senior Office Staff work together to plan, shop, decorate, and work the event. “We set the theme for the event in February, and then it takes almost a whole year to plan everything,” said Peggy Hogan, Senior Coordinator for Senior Citizen Services.

The theme for the 2017 celebration was “Light up the Night!”, and the Florissant Senior Commission did not disappoint for the annual “daytime” event

Approximately 400 seniors arrived to a warm welcome from members of the Florissant Senior Commission who helped them find their seats in the gymnasium. The gym was elaborately decorated with a stage brightly lit and tables beautifully decorated in blue and white. (see photo at right)

Once at their tables, they would find a pretty lantern centerpiece and either a blue and white top hat or feathered headband proclaiming “Happy New Year.” All around, the room was a sea of gorgeous, festive colors and pops of twinkling lights.

The Saint Charles Big Band, a regular entertainer for the New Year’s Eve Celebration, filled the room with the ambiance of a classic 1940s nightclub. Seniors took to the dance floor, this year often serenaded by the band’s relatively new addition, vocalist Vanessa Ralls. Those who preferred a more relaxed time enjoyed the music while visiting with friends and snacking on hors d’oeuvres.

“Oh, I love to dance!” said Joy Lappin, who has been attending this event and several others hosted by the Senior Commission since 2009. “I started in the free line dancing class after I ended my cancer treatments. I met friends and we started traveling together and we attend dances and lots of the activities together.”

A ticket raffle was called and many of the seniors won attendance prizes donated from 25 Florissant businesses and restaurants. Some of the prizes included an echo, a flat screen television, and a dinner for eight catered in-home from Tornatore’s Catering, who also caters the New Year’s Eve Celebration each year.

Just before noon, bottles of sparkling grape juice were passed around and there was a buzz of anticipation for the ball drop, which signaled the commencement of 2017. The room erupted in buzzing noise makers and cheers while the band, sporting festive hats for this very moment, rang out a boisterous rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

The celebration was concluded with a delicious meal and dessert, and more dancing, before they retired back to their homes, many carrying their prizes, all feeling celebrated and welcoming 2017.