Dances aplenty at Council on Aging tailgate party

Apr 30, 2021

Wind gusts weren’t the only sounds filling Bliss Corner Friday afternoon.

On April 30, more than 100 people streamed through the Council on Aging’s parking lot to dance to the oldies tunes crooned by singer and DJ Jordan Paiva as part of a tailgate party the center hosted.

The reason for the afternoon croon, COA Director Amy DiPietro said, was to celebrate the state’s loosening of Covid restrictions and the center’s upcoming soft reopening in May.

“We just felt we should hold a socially-distanced dance,” she said. “Everyone is keeping safe and everyone is just having a fantastic time.”

Resident Gail Costa said the socially distanced party was more than welcome, noting that she and friends are avid dancers who, because of the pandemic, have been unable to publicly show off their moves for more than a year.

“We had such a good time,” she added. “Nice to get some exercise.” 

Dartmouth High substitute teacher Nancy Jordan said that along with her love of dance, a motivating factor for her party attendance was to support the talent.

“I actually had [Paiva] as a student back in high school,” she noted. “We’ve pretty much been friends since then — he’s a nice guy with a lot of talent.” 

Activities Coordinator Nancy Miller noted that this is just the first of many outdoor shows the center plans on hosting for 2021. Beginning in May, the COA will hold a monthly “music on the lawn” concert where seniors can bring their own chairs and snacks as they enjoy some entertainment.

“Hopefully next month the weather is a little more clear,” she said.

The event was also a way to partner up with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office to help promote its Project Lifesaver program, which helps locate lost people or those who wander off and bring them home, including those with Alzheimer’s, autism, and other related conditions.

Although, those promoting the program noted that it was also a good excuse for them to bust a few moves. 

“I mean, where else can I get paid to dance?” Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Vaz said.