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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Every year, the Westwood Council on Aging throws a giant birthday bash for their oldest community members. The annual 90s party is one that the seniors look forward to each year as a chance to celebrate with those in the community who were also born before 1927.
“It’s my tenth annual 90s party,” said Trish Tuck, who has coordinated the party for the past decade. “All of the guests are over 90. Some of them just turned 90, but many of them are well into their 90s. And some of them still drive!”
The Westwood Council on Aging celebrated its annual 90s party for those in the community born before 1927.
Seniors enjoyed a sweet treat at the annual 90s party hosted by the Council on Aging.
Herbert and Berta Pflanz enjoyed their 90s at the annual birthday party, hosted by the Westwood Council on Aging.
Lucille and Robert Fallavollita, who have been married for 68 years, celebrated their 90s at the Westwood Council on Aging’s annual party.
Sisters Loretta Carrigan and Lorraine Krumpnick joined their mother, Doris Pearson, and aunt, Rita Cimeno, in celebrating their 90s.
Eliana McDonnough celebrated with her mother-in-law, Elaine McDonnough, and their friend, Jeanne Manning, at the annual 90s party.
With balloons, goodie bags, and good company, over 40 seniors gathered at the First Baptist Church to socialize and celebrate with old friends while David Polansky provided entertainment with his singing and trumpet playing.
“They’re just great people,” said one of the volunteers after delivering baskets of rolls to the table. “They’re appreciative of having this and they’re just a lot of fun to be around. And, of course, they all have great stories.”
Some of the seniors were even making plans to create new stories, like 92-year-old Jeanne Manning, who was raving about her upcoming trip to Iceland to see the northern lights in November.
Herbert and Berta Pflanz, meanwhile, who have lived in Westwood for over 45 years, decided they’d rather stay local and enjoy the other events the Council on Aging has to offer.
As the seniors enjoyed a hot dinner, Polansky took requests of the seniors’ favorite classic songs, playing renditions of “Always,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Unforgettable.” After singing “Happy Birthday,” the volunteers cut into the massive cake and served it for the seniors to enjoy.
For Robert Fallavollita, the cake only came a day late, as he celebrated his 91st birthday the day before the party.
It was his wife of 68 years, though, though, Lucille, who shared tips on their happy marriage and longevity.
“Patience,” she stated. “You do what you’ve got to do and you live within your budget. You hang in there, and that’s just what we’ve done.”
