Heavy rain doesn’t stop Rochester COA from celebrating community

ROCHESTER — Bad weather may have put a damper on the Rochester Council on Aging’s block party, but plenty of people still attended the Sept. 26 event. 

The COA held the party indoors on Saturday, with a shortened runtime and fewer activities. Several groups and guests weren’t able to show, including the Boston Red Sox’s mascot Wally the Green Monster, but organizers said they were happy they could still offer a chance for the community to gather. 

The Show Stoppers performed during the event, and there was also a DJ. The Friends of the COA sold refreshments, and several other vendors offered hand-made goods.

Executive Director Eric Poulin said enough people involved in the block party were still available that day that he decided to move it inside instead of cancel or choose another date. 

“We had to make the best of it, bringing everything inside,” he said. “Overall I think it went well considering we couldn't control what the weather was.”

While the turnout was lower than initially hoped for, Poulin said there was still “good representation” from the community, with many people bringing their children and grandchildren. 

Gayle Lawrence, part of the Friends of the Rochester COA and a board of directors member, said the day went well despite the wind and rain. She was proud of the volunteers who helped run the event, and said people worked well together. 

“We have lots of volunteers, people coming out of the woodwork just to pitch in in whatever way they can, because this senior center is an integral part of the community,” Lawrence said.