Sandel Center seniors ring in the new year

Members of Rockville Centre’s Sandel Senior Center counted down from 10 seconds at 1:59 p.m. on Monday to recreate ringing in 2018 during the facility’s annual New Year’s party.

Dozens gathered at noon for hors d’oeuvres and lunch before hitting the dance floor to get moving to a range of party favorites, from Dion’s “Runaround Sue” to Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”

In the final moments before 2 p.m., which signified midnight on New Year’s Eve, disc jockey Charlie Eames asked the room if anyone had a new year’s resolution.

“I’m not going to drink anymore,” one senior yelled as she raised her glass of champagne, the room erupting in laughter. “Peace on Earth,” another said, before the countdown commenced. The party’s attendees then walked around the room wishing one another a happy and healthy new year, some embracing and shaking hands.

“The members that come here really enjoy wonderful friendships,” said Chris O’Leary, director of the Sandel Center. “We’d love to have people come down. It’s a great start to a new year.”