Swing dance event to raise funds for senior groups

BANGOR – The University of Maine Center on Aging on the Orono campus and Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor are partnering for a gala swing dance fund-raiser, A Celebration of Generations, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Bangor Elks Club, Odlin Road.

The third annual event features local musicians, the Moon Puppies, playing dance music and performances by McKay’s Back Door Dance Studio’s dance team, Zoot Suit Review.

“The dance should be a wonderful way to spend the evening,” said Leah Ruffin, senior research associate with the Center on Aging and event co-organizer.

“Children, grandparents, parents – you don’t have to be an expert swing dancer,” Ruffin said.

The annual event raises money for the respective agencies’ programs for older adults and corresponds with May being Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is Aging Well, Living Well.

The dance and show celebrates “the affirmation that Maine’s older adults are living active, healthy, productive lives,” said Lenard W. Kaye, director of the Center on Aging. “An event like this brings our community together in so many ways.”

Ruffin said the May Festival was one of the first events the Center on Aging sponsored, and “it lets the community know we are interested in being a part of our neighborhood. It’s been a popular thing over the years and we’d like to keep it going as a tradition.”

Tickets will be available at the door. Prices are $15 per couple and $10 for an individual. Information is available by calling 581-3444 or 941-2865.