Members of Pittston Active Adult Center hold holiday party

DUPONT — About 100 area senior citizens from the Pittston Active Adult Center had the chance to celebrate the holidays on during an annual Christmas party filled with music, color and good food.

Sonny Pierantoni, of Exeter, enjoyed time with his friends in the holiday-themed hall at the Dupont Fire Company.

“They’re wonderful people,” he said of those who direct and attend the center. “Nothing better than being with people you like and that like you.”

Center director Joan Luksa said the party reflected input received from those attending.

“This year, they wanted piggies,” she said of the stuffed cabbage rolls. “And, so we have them.”

Luksa said, although the center would also host a party this week at its headquarters in Pittston, the off-site party provided an opportunity to get out into the community in a special setting. ​

It wasn’t required, but most of those attending dressed up, with men wearing suits and ladies in formal dresses.

Many wore red or green and the seating area was dotted with sparkly holiday colors.

The ccnter hosts dance lessons as part of its programs, and those attending the party wasted no time in showing off their special skills, including a version of “Electric Slide.”

Assistant director Melody Bartusek said the entire event was carefully planned, packing in hours of fun and making it a tradition for many.

Angie Balzano, who attends the center regularly, called Luksa and Bartuzek “two angels.”

Balzano said she had never considered going to a senior center, but once she tried it, she was hooked.

“Some days, I get there at 8:30 in the morning and I don’t leave until the afternoon,” she said.

When asked what she enjoyed most about the party, Balzano said, “Everything,” including, the food, atmosphere, music and good company.”

Nutrition manager Nikki Briggs said many of her friends especially enjoyed the 50s music, provided by a deejay.

The party seemed to reflect the energy of the center, bringing friends together for a formal party, which many of those attending said helped kick off their holiday celebration.

Helen Ank and Mike Antonacci, of Moosic, dance to Christmas music during the Pittston Senior Center Christmas party.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_psd121519seniorcenter-1-3.jpgHelen Ank and Mike Antonacci, of Moosic, dance to Christmas music during the Pittston Senior Center Christmas party. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Theresa Bekamich, of Exeter, and Sal Alaimo, of Yatessville, enjoy each other’s company at the party.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_psd121519seniorcenter-2-3.jpgTheresa Bekamich, of Exeter, and Sal Alaimo, of Yatessville, enjoy each other’s company at the party. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Johnny Diamond, of Exeter, performs at the Pittson Senior Center Christmas party.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_psd121519seniorcenter-3-3.jpgJohnny Diamond, of Exeter, performs at the Pittson Senior Center Christmas party. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Sandra Migliore, of Pittston, dances in her seat to Christmas music.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_psd121519seniorcenter-4-3.jpgSandra Migliore, of Pittston, dances in her seat to Christmas music. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Joyce Leyshon, of Moosic, gathers leftovers to take home from the Pittston Senior Center Christmas party.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_psd121519seniorcenter-5-3.jpgJoyce Leyshon, of Moosic, gathers leftovers to take home from the Pittston Senior Center Christmas party. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Joan Luksa, of Dallas, and Hank Zakoski, of Moosic, take a break from the festivities to pose for a photo.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_psd121519seniorcenter-6-3.jpgJoan Luksa, of Dallas, and Hank Zakoski, of Moosic, take a break from the festivities to pose for a photo. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch