Senior picnic will take on 1950s theme

BY KECIA BAL
The Tribune-Democrat

SOMERSET July 04, 2008 11:51 pm

— This summer, seniors won’t have to look far to get a glimpse of the good old days. They might even get the chance to see Elvis or Marilyn Monroe, or be them.
“We are going to go back in time a little bit,” said Art DiLoreto, administrator for the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County.
The agency’s 34th annual picnic is being designed around a 1950s theme this year. New to the event are cash prizes for best dressed.
“We are encouraging seniors to break out their poodle skirts or slick back their hair,” he added.
The event would cost about $6,000, without the support of community members and businesses, DiLoreto estimated. The ticket price of $6 a person has not changed.
The picnic started in 1974 as a simple social, but DiLoreto said it has grown to mean a lot more to the seniors and the community.
“Now it is a celebration and recognition of the importance of seniors in our community life,” he said.
The event again will be held in the countryside setting of the Hayloft near Rockwood.
“In the last couple of years particularly, the location has really lended itself to Somerset County living at its best,” DiLoreto added.
The Aug. 21 event is to include live music, a DJ spinning ‘50s tunes and a group of dancers affiliated with Laurel Arts to help seniors get their groove on.
Two seatings are scheduled, because organizers are planning for about 500 to attend.

Party time

Where: The Hayloft, near Rockwood

When: Aug. 21

Seatings: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $6

Call the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County at 443-2681 for tickets or more information.