Rochester Council on Aging celebrates the New Year with state representatives
Two residents dance together. 
The band Steve Anthony and Persuasion performed at the celebration. 
Rep. Mark Sylvia (far left) and DA Tim Cruz (far right) donated money for the entertainment on Monday. 
The Council of Agining was filled with music and dancing. 
Chinese food was served for the luncheon. 
Residents smile with Tim Cruz. 
The Rochester Council on Aging was packed with people and activities to celebrate the New Year. 
Residents gathered to listen to music and chat with friends. 
More dancing took place.
Food was enjoyed in good company. 
Residents smile together at the New Year's celebration.
Two residents dance together.
The band Steve Anthony and Persuasion performed at the celebration.
Rep. Mark Sylvia (far left) and DA Tim Cruz (far right) donated money for the entertainment on Monday.
The Council of Agining was filled with music and dancing.
Chinese food was served for the luncheon.
Residents smile with Tim Cruz.
The Rochester Council on Aging was packed with people and activities to celebrate the New Year.
Residents gathered to listen to music and chat with friends.
More dancing took place.
Food was enjoyed in good company.
Residents smile together at the New Year's celebration.
ROCHESTER — Twist, shake, shout! The Rochester Council on Aging rang in the New Year with singing, dancing and a live band Monday, Dec. 29.
The Rochester Council on Aging hosted a luncheon alongside Rep. Mark Sylvia and Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz with accompaniment from the band Steve Anthony and Persuasion.
The menu included Chinese dishes like sesame chicken, beef and broccoli, lo mein, fried rice and dumplings.
“The thing I like to see most is that look on people's faces when they're just enjoying themselves, they're happy, they're really into the music and socializing with friends,” Eric Poulin, director of the Council on Aging said.
Poulin was grateful for the state representatives because they presented the Council on Aging with a donation for the musical entertainment that evening.
Rep. Sylvia, DA Cruz and Senator Rodrigues have been integral in fundraising for the Council on Aging, providing them with funds for entertainment, medical equipment and programs in the past.
“We love having [the representatives] here, but the fact that they can bring in revenue for us to support our seniors has been super helpful,” Poulin said.
Poulin explained events like this are important to grow and support the aging community especially after the pandemic.
“People don't often put enough stock in how important it is just for people to socialize, just to get together regularly, to continue to socialize as you get older,” Poulin said.
The pandemic highlighted how important having a robust social life is. Some of the aging members of the community are isolated or struggle to drive to medical appointments according to Poulin.
Through programming and medical transportation to appointments, the Council on Aging can support elders.
Poulin looks forward to expanding the medical transportation program and is excited for a Johnny Cash impersonator who will play at the center on Monday, Feb. 2.
“Sometimes the winter months can drag on and it's good for people to have things to look forward to,” he said.
