Early independence

Deirdre Newman

Seniors danced around the Costa Mesa Senior Center on Thursday

celebrating Independence Day as a ragtime band swept them out of

their seats with rousing renditions of songs such as “Yankee Doodle

Dandy.”

“It’s magnificent,” crowed Walter Cogal, 89, as he shimmied around

holding a blue parasol and wearing a blue feather boa. “I’ve been

[coming] for three years, and it’s the best thing they ever did.”

The barbecue allowed seniors to celebrate the Fourth of July

holiday a day early in a convivial atmosphere.

“We do this today because many [seniors] don’t have families or

barbecues,” said Aviva Goelman, the center’s director. “At least we

leave them for the long weekend with a high.”

Goelman credited center program director Darryl Kim with

organizing the party. Firemen from Costa Mesa Medic Engine 83 and

Quint 83 manned the barbecue, grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs.

“It kind of gets you in the spirit of the holidays,” said Steve

Feather, a firefighter/paramedic. “It breaks up our routine a little

bit. It’s nice interacting with them. It’s fun.”

The firemen served more than 100 seniors, Goelman said.

“It’s very good,” said Bob McCarthy, 76, of the party. “It’s a

wonderful way to celebrate the Fourth. [The music] is like old

times.”

The center has hosted barbecues for several years in advance of

the Fourth of July, senior center board member Jerry Richards said.

This one was especially festive, he said.

“I think it’s one of the most joyous parties I’ve ever seen here,”

Richards said. “Aviva really knows how to put one on.”

One of the most patriotic participants was Bunny Richards, a

volunteer clown decked out from head to toe in red, white and blue.

Among other things, she was wearing an all-American hat, a patriotic

scarf and red- and white-striped socks.

“It’s always wonderful,” Bunny Richards said. “We always have lots

of excitement.”