Aston Seniors celebrate 50 years

The banquet committee that planned the Aston Senior Club’s 50th anniversary celebration Thursday at the Springhaven Club includes (from left) Katherine Gommer, Peggie Cacciatore, Ginny Saracina, Donna Rickman, Linda Hayden, Anna Pipino and Patty Boccella. In addition to organizing the banquet details, the ladies worked hard collecting prizes and making the fundraising raffle baskets. Nearly 30 local businesses and individuals donated raffle prizes. (PEG DEGRASSA – DAILY TIMES)

NETHER PROVIDENCE – There was a festive mood at the Springhaven Club in Wallingford Thursday as the Aston Township Senior Citizens Club celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Dozens of club members and several community leaders attended the half-centennial celebration and enjoyed lunch, raffles and fellowship.

The Aston Seniors Club was founded in 1974. At that time, membership was only open to Aston Township residents over the age of 55. Today, while Aston Township residents make up 80 percent of the membership, the club is open to senior residents of the entire Penn Delco School District, which includes residents of Brookhaven and Parkside districts.

In the 1970s, the club met in the township building, later in the Iron Workers Bank, in the basement of a local church, at Neumann College and at the Aston Legion Hall. Membership boomed and there was at times a waiting list, according to current club president Anne Sweeny.

“When the club moved to the community center, there was a membership limit of 300, so we couldn’t accommodate everyone and had to start a waiting list,” Sweeny recalls. “The women came in their Sunday best and wore high heels. Their special luncheon was held at the Concordville Inn at Christmas time.”

By 1977, the club finally moved its meeting location to the Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road, where it still meets every fourth Thursday of the month, except in July and August. In November, the group meets on the third Thursday for Thanksgiving, and in December the meeting is held at an off-site location.

Founded in 1988, the club continues to thrive. Members pay a $10 annual membership fee and receive a quarterly newsletter that keeps them updated on what’s happening in the club and the community.

Thursday’s ceremony recognized the club’s past presidents over the past five decades, including Johanna Taylor, Elizabeth McTaggert, Ollie Muller, Alex Stecyk, Ann Lazinsky, Elora Lastoskie, Warren Fields, Elizabeth Anderson, Margaret Canning, Francis Davis, Edward Strugala, Nancy Webber and Gladys Moore.

The 50th Anniversary Lunch was an opportunity to celebrate the history of the Club and all it has to offer, whilst also looking ahead to its future.

“I joined the club in 2000, but only attended special events. I couldn’t come to many meetings because I was still working,” explained Diane Waskiewicz of Brookhaven, who worked for 38 years at Container Research Corp. on New Road in Aston. “After I retired in 2013, I was able to participate more. I really enjoy talking and listening to others. I like the social aspect of the club and keeping myself busy. I enjoy every minute of our monthly meetings.”

“It gets me out of the house,” said fellow club member Janice Jordan of Aston. “I always enjoy coming here because of my friends. Many of us used to work together in the Penn Delco School District.”

The club’s board members are Anne Sweeny, president; Tina Gommer, first vice president, membership; Patricia Boccella, second vice president, entertainment, newsletter; Laura Atkinson, secretary; and Hedy Pennell, treasurer. Current board members include Ginny Saracina, Dave Gustafson, Barbara Bauer, Peggie Cacciatore, Donna Rickman, and Linda Hayden.

“There is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes by our very dedicated board,” Boccella said. “I think the members are having fun and enjoying it. I know I absolutely love my job.”

The club currently has 103 members but is constantly growing. At each meeting, members can purchase a hot, complete lunch with salad, main/side dish and dessert for only $15 or bring their own lunch. The club provides coffee and tea.

Carol Messick has been a member of the club for a year. She said her friend Flo Firlein was already a member and suggested she join.

“After I left my job at Crozer Chester Medical Center, I was bored,” Messick said. “Since I’ve been there, I’ve really enjoyed the club.”

Phyllis Brady, a member since 2011, agreed.

“I joined after I quit my job at the court,” she said. “I had friends who were already part of the club and everyone here was so nice and welcoming. I like the social involvement. I’ve met so many new friends. We also do a lot of interesting things, things I probably wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t joined.”

“I even met a cousin on my husband’s side that we didn’t even know we had,” added member Sharon Crossan with a smile. “After I met Bernadette Wright and we started talking, I found out she is my husband’s cousin. You never know who you might meet here!”

At each meeting there is also a speaker or some form of entertainment.

Past guest speakers have included County Judge Diane Holefelder, State Rep. Leanne Krueger, members of the Aston Fire and Police Departments, and other community leaders. Entertainment has included the Legends Band, senior exercise classes, chair yoga, singing, art classes, bingo, and more.

“We really enjoyed the Legends Band at the last meeting,” said member Maryann Bullen, who has been with the club for three years. “Some people even got up and danced. They were really good!”

The club also takes trips. Members have traveled to Maine, to the Pine Grove Dude Ranch, taken a boat ride in Toms River, NJ, and more.

Travel coordinator Peggie Cacciatore is organizing upcoming day trips to see “Daniel” later this month at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster and to the Pines Dinner Theater in Allentown to see “White Christmas” in December.

“Our meetings usually follow the same pattern,” explained Sweeny, who has been on the board for 25 years and has served as president for two years. “We have an hour of socializing, followed by our business meeting, a speaker or entertainment, and then lunch. As we prepare for the coming year, I would like to have the members’ guidance, ideas and input on how they would like to see our club evolve and grow.”

Aston Seniors will begin its 51st year on Thursday, September 26th and will host its third annual Aston Seniors Craft Show on Saturday, October 5th from 9am to 2pm at the Aston Township Community Center. The event will feature arts and crafts, food and fun.

If you would like to learn more about membership, please contact Tina Gommer at [email protected].