By Robby McKittrick
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Tuesday, October 30, the Westwood Council on Aging hosted its annual Halloween party for the seniors in the community.
Around 80 residents, many of whom were dressed up in the holiday spirit, visited the community center to enjoy live music, great food, and socializing with friends for the holiday.
The room was packed with people, and the seniors appeared to be having a great time.
“I come because I love [the event], and I love Westwood,” said former Westwood resident and current Needham resident in attendance, Anne Hudson. “I enjoy all the people, and I love the decorations.”
“It’s such fun,” added Westwood resident Rita Shahidi, who was wearing a festive, orange witch hat. “We have good entertainment, great food, and you just can’t do anything better than this.”
The singer, Tommy Rull, sang a variety of songs, ranging from “The Monster Mash” to “Sweet Caroline.” The crowd loved the music, but reserved extra vigor for their rendition of “Sweet Caroline.” When Rull started to sing the popular song, all of the seniors put their hands in the air, swayed side to side, and started singing.
“As you can see, [Rull] is a great singer,” said Director of the Council on Aging Lina Arena-DeRosa. “He does all of the pop tunes that everyone knows from the fifties, sixties, and seventies, which is what the seniors love … I think it works out really well.”
The Halloween party at the Council on Aging has existed for at least five years. Arena-DeRosa explained why they continue to organize this annual get-together.
“Halloween is just fun,” Arena-DeRosa explained. “People can be silly and fun, and the seniors deserve to have a day [filled] with … laughter and [joy].
“It’s the no-stress holiday,” she added. “Sometimes there is a lot of stress for the other holidays, but Halloween … is easy, and [it’s about] being with your friends and dressing up.”
Overall, the party was a fun way for the community to come together and celebrate.
“I love that we sell out every year,” said Arena-DeRosa. “I think that says it all.”
