More than 50 years after her last dance lesson, Lillian Passo showcased the moves that helped her take home the Ms. Senior Pennsylvania title in 1995.
And all it took to get her started was a little Jingle Bell Rock.
"I love to dance," said the 94-year-old resident of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center. "That's about all I can do.
"When they play these holiday songs, it just puts me in the dancing mood."
Not everyone danced, but, on Sunday, hundreds gathered at the veterans center for the second annual Christmas Open House - a holiday party for residents, their family and staff members.
Starting at 1 p.m., the event featured live holiday music, "up-close illusions" performed by Scranton magician Denny Corby and plenty of Jell-O - red- and green-colored, of course.
"We hosted it last year, and everyone had a great time, so it was a no-brainer to have it again," center Commandant Michael Semian said. "It's a nice change for the families to meet other families."
A Pittston Twp. resident, James Traglia normally visits his father, James Sr., once a week. But this visit was different.
The two spent at least 10 minutes in a photo booth, taking picture after picture, until settling on one they really liked.
The picture, said Mr. Traglia Sr., who is 92 years old, will serve as their Christmas card, something they haven't had in years.
"It is a nice opportunity for our friends and family members to see how my dad is doing," Mr. Traglia said. "Plus, it's a souvenir for each of us to hang up."
Though they live in New Jersey, Daniel and Ann Marie Huntz visit Joseph Konopka, 90, at the center once a month.
However, they have never seen the center "filled with so much energy," Mrs. Huntz said.
"It's really exciting to see the residents dancing, singing and enjoying themselves," she said. "It is a perfect event to get everyone in the holiday spirit."
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter