&uot;A luau is a Hawaiian feast, as we all know, and we’re going to have some fun, for that’s the way to go.&uot;

For one afternoon, more than 150 of Suffolk’s senior class (or, as they prefer, mature adults) got the chance to feel young again.

&uot;Most seniors sit down for a long time,&uot; Mistress of Ceremonies Madelaine Wilson told attendees of the annual Hawaiian Luau Wednesday at the National Guard Armory. &uot;We get a little stiff in the knees. Sometimes, we need to stand up and stretch out. Don’t think of dancing; think of it as good ‘ol exercise.&uot;

The floor quickly crowded with children (at heart), all too anxious to do the Hockey Pokey, the Electric Slide, and the Twist (again, like they did last summer!).

&uot;We’ve been doing this since the late 1970s or early 1980s,&uot; Wilson said, taking a break outside in the lobby. &uot;Just because we’re aged, we still need to keep active. There’s a lot of activities planned for our younger generation, but this gives seniors a chance to go out and have fun.&uot;

It seemed as though it was working.

&uot;We’re older people now, and this gives us a chance to have fun,&uot; said Beatrice Chapman. &uot;I’ve decided at my age, God willing, to exercise as much as I can.&uot;

&uot;Mingling with one another, doing it up in style, having things in common, here at the luau.&uot;

Stepping away from the crowd, Senior Center staff member Mae Cofield adjusted her leis and pink grass skirt.

&uot;We try to draw seniors in,&uot; said Cofield, whose organization teamed with the Parks and Recreation Department to put on the event. &uot;We let them know that they don’t have to sit at home; there’s always something for them to do.&uot;

That’s something that Roland Scott has known for a while.

&uot;My partner and I try to go dancing at least once a week,&uot; he said, sitting down to recover from twisting. &uot;It’s a very reasonable degree of exercise. Music is for the soul; it makes me feel vibrant and alive.&uot;

&uot;When the seniors get together, there’s so much joy to gain. So sit back and be happy, while we entertain!&uot;

Jackie Stallings

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com