Westwood Valentines celebrate special day

By James Kinneen
Hometown Weekly Reporter

At the Westwood Council on Aging’s Valentine’s Day Party, on top of the seniors, volunteers and workers that came to enjoy the festivities, there were appearances by a state representative, a chair of the Westwood select board, and the King.

Elvis (or entertainer Robert Black’s best impersonation of him) entertained the crowd throughout, playing classic love songs like “Love Me Tender,” “Return to Sender,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” and “All Shook Up,” while giving little vignettes between his songs. Ever the lady’s man, at one-point, Elvis looked into the crowd - which was almost exclusively adorned in festive Valentine’s Day clothing - and cleverly declared: “I just want to tell the lady wearing red she looks beautiful tonight.”

There were all sorts of women he could have been talking about, as party-goers were adorned in styles ranging from basic red sweaters to heart headbands, and even the odd pair of red devil horns.

But if there was a “best dressed” award, it would undeniably have to have gone to Sheila Ragucci and her heart shaped, bedazzled sunglasses.

One of the few people not dressed for the occasion was Massachusetts House of Representatives member Paul McMurtry, who noted his profession’s tradition of having to wear a suit by saying: “You can tell I’m the politician, because I’m the only one not wearing red,” before delivering some kind words to those who organized the event.

Another politician present was Westwood Selectman Mike Walsh. Walsh also praised the event, emphasizing that because many of the seniors had lost loved ones, Valentines Day can be a tough day for them. “It’s a great event because it gives the seniors a chance to get out,” he said. “Some have lost their significant others, so it’s great that they can be among friends.”

But the party wasn’t about Elvis or politicians.

The party was about the seniors, and by all accounts, they enjoyed it immensely. A local nursing home cooked barbecue chicken, rice, rolls and German chocolate cake, and a free raffle offered the opportunity for seniors to win $20 gift cards.

“It’s a beautiful day, and it’s wonderful that the COA does this,” said Marge Eramo.

“Love is in the air,” added the ever-quotable Shirley Munroe.

She would be proven right when, after most of the seniors had gone but Elvis had not yet left the building, a couple got up and began slow-dancing in the empty space that was left in the room.