Attendees of the 29th Annual Newtown Senior Center Holiday Party were in good cheer at Michael’s at the Grove in Bethel on December 7.

Whether decked out in Santa hats or their finest dancing shoes, members of the Newtown Senior Center came out for an afternoon of dining, dancing, and socializing with friends.

There was a 50/50 raffle and more than half a dozen baskets filled with assorted holiday goodies to be won. Each were wrapped in cellophane with a red bow on top.

Newtown Senior Center Director Marilyn Place went around from table to table welcoming everyone and made her way to the front of the room to say her yearly toast at noontime.

“It’s such a joy to have everyone here to join in on this fabulous day,” Ms Place said, looking out to the crowd of smiling faces gathered before her.

She introduced this year’s special guests: Commission on Aging Chair Anna Wiedemann and member LeReine Frampton, Community Center Director Matt Ariniello, and Social Services Director Ann LoBosco, who all received a round of applause.

“Accept my hearty good wishes for a season of calm and cheer,” Ms Place said when beginning her toast’s annual poem.

With flutes full of cider in hand, everyone raised their glass, as Ms Place wished those in attendance a season full of laughter and friends as well as “balance and harmony.”

“Cheers!” could be heard around the room between the clinking of cider-filled flutes.

After the toast, everyone was invited to enjoy a wide selection of food, served buffet-style, that included a colorful vegetable medley; baby roasted potatoes; sliced top sirloin; apple walnut stuffed chicken; and penne with broccoli and red peppers, tossed in a garlic butter sauce.

Newtown resident June Hanna, who has attended the Senior Center’s Holiday Party for years, was excited for an afternoon of dancing and to be with Arthur Smith this year.

When asked what Mr Smith’s favorite part of the festivities were, he turned to Ms Hanna and said, “being together with her.”

More than half a dozen other couples went out on the dance floor together after lunch and held each other close during slow songs.

DJ John Hemberger of Sandy Hook Entertainment kept the music flowing, packing the dance floor all throughout the afternoon.

To learn how to become a member of the Newtown Senior Center, visit newtown-ct.gov/senior-center or call 203-270-4310.