Council on Aging holds birthday bash

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By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff

With 250 babies born every minute, one would think that somebody would’ve had a birthday during the month of June to celebrate on Wednesday, June 19, for The Walpole Council on Aging’s monthly group birthday party.

With an abundance of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes and Hoodsie cups, seniors gathered and waited for someone with a June birthday to join the celebration. Plates were passed out, balloons were hung, and decorations were on the table. Seats were taken. All they needed was someone deserving of the happy birthday song.

“Do you have a birthday in June?” one guest asked a person at his table.

“No, I’m next month. I’m in July,” she replied. With the all supplies but no guest to celebrate, party guests were at a loss of what to do. Should they celebrate next month’s birthdays? Would they just cancel the party?

Finally, one party guest suggested that they celebrate the birthday of Ora McGuire. McGuire, a long-time resident of Walpole and frequent visitor to the Walpole Co-Operative Bank South Street Center, passed away on June 13. With the news of her death still fresh in their minds, it seemed to be right to celebrate Ora’s life on what would have been the day after her 95th birthday.

With a decision made, party-goers sang a lively serenade of the “Happy Birthday” song, all in honor for their dear friend. When the song was over, treats were handed out and guests picked whether they wanted a cupcake, ice cream, or both.

With all the party responsibilities out of the way, guests were able to catch-up with one another and make new friends. “How are you doing?” one guest asked another as she picked up a Hoodsie cup.

One guest was caught in a storm of jokes when her phone rang, before she could switch it on silent. “I thought that was your boyfriend calling,” her friend teased with a giggle.

“I wish,” she replied with an eye-roll.

Each month, a birthday party is held to celebrate all of those who have birthdays during that month. Though there were none for this one, there is usually at least a couple.

Regardless, the party gives attendees the chance to get out of their houses and celebrate. “You can’t be alone all the time,” said Joyce, one of the party attendees. “It’s nice to come here and have a cup of coffee and a cupcake.”