Valley Stream Community Center kicks off Silver Threads fall program

“Come on, girls, do the electric slide!” staff member Ellie Coppola called out to attendees at the Valley Stream Community Center’s Silver Threads Senior Program party on Sept. 17 as the disc jockey began playing Marcia Griffiths’ “Electric Boogie.”

About two dozen seniors took advantage of clear skies and mild temperatures to enjoy refreshments, music and dancing at the program’s party in Hendrickson Park to mark the post-summer return to regularly scheduled events.

“I lose most of them to the pool during the summer, so this is to kind of welcome them back to the program,” said SallyAnn Esposito, manager of the Community Center.

Gloria Zweier sat with four women at a table nearby. She said she and a few friends use the program to meet and play cards two times per week.

“We come for the company — socializing,” she said.

“We’re all widows,” said Arline Massa, sitting next to Zweier.

Esposito said the end of summer means more activities will be made available to the program’s members, of which there are between 250 and 300. Those include fitness sessions, games, crochet, movies and parties to celebrate certain holidays.

She said she hopes more local seniors give the program a try this fall. It runs Monday through Friday each week at the Community Center.