SOCK HOP SENIORS

800 attend nostalgic luncheon; large June 26 event planned

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> More than 800 seniors rocked around the clock during a ’50s-themed, sock hop-style luncheon at Saratoga Springs City Center on Friday.

It was just like a scene out of “American Graffiti” or the popular television show “Happy Days” as Baby Boomers enjoyed ice cream sodas along with burgers and fries, accompanied by festive blackand-white checkered napkins.

Elvis joined the fun, too, as tribute artist Matthew Boyce sang several of “The King of Rock ‘n Roll’s” most popular tunes, which brought some people out on the dance floor.

“I’m having a great time, absolutely!” said Connie Marcy, a Ballston Area Seniors member.

The luncheon, which brings together seniors groups from throughout Saratoga County, is an annual event co-hosted by the board of supervisors and county Office for the Aging.

Board Chairman Kevin Tollisen, R-Halfmoon, has declared 2019 the “Year of the Senior.”

Residents 55 and above make up more than 34 percent of the county’s growing population.

Seniors rely on many of the county’s programs, such as meal service, transportation, healthcare, and legal counseling services, which are provided by various county departments. As the senior population continues to grow, so will demand for these programs.

On Wednesday, June 26, the board of supervisors is hosting a free, carnival-themed “Year of the Senior” signature event at Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs.

All county residents 60 and over are invited to attend this event which will include carnival rides, food, “retro” candy, carnival snacks and carnival games that will remind them of their childhood.

Live music will be performed by the Georgie Wonders Orchestra.

A special pin is required for admission. These may be obtained at senior centers and town halls throughout the county.

PAUL POST — MEDIANEWS GROUP Retired army nurses Joanne Jazowski, Christine Rem and Sandy Arnold joined the fun during a sock hop-themed seniors luncheon with more than 800 people on hand Friday at Saratoga Springs City Center. All three women are mentors in Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency’s Peer to Peer program.

PAUL POST — MEDIANEWS GROUP Pat Markowski, left, of Clifton Park is all smiles as Tara Hnis, of the county Office for the Aging serves her an ice cream soda. Looking on are Sydney Cross and Dave Morabito.

PHOTOS BY PAUL POST — MEDIANEWS GROUP Connie Marcy of Ballston Spa Area Seniors holds a replica Fabulous 50s record. A native of Great Falls, Montana, she will be celebrating her 50th high school graduation next month.

Servers take a break from preparing plates during a seniors luncheon at the City Center on Friday. Food was provided by Northeast Dining & Lodging, the catering branch of Golden Corral restaurants.

Seniors were treated to burgers and fries during a luncheon at Saratoga Springs City Center on Friday. From left to right are Ballston Supervisor Tim Szczepaniak, county Office for the Aging staff member Denise Yannaci and county Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Tollisen, R-Halfmoon.

Elvis Presley tribute artist Matthew Boyce performed at a sock hop-style seniors luncheon with more than 800 people on hand Friday at the City Center.

Nancy Deeb of Saratoga Springs, left, and Mary Murphy of Malta dance to their favorite Elvis tunes.