In August, the Upton Senior Center was filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of barbecue as 85 local seniors came together for a summer celebration. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Senior BBQ & Ice Cream Truck social brought community spirit to life through great food and live entertainment.

The event kicked off with a BBQ lunch catered by Firefly’s, featuring pulled pork, grilled chicken, baked beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. Each guest also received a special treat of soft pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory. Live music from Bill Reidy kept the atmosphere lively, with many guests clapping, singing along, and even dancing. After lunch, attendees headed outside to relive sweet childhood memories at the Juniper Farms ice cream truck, sponsored by Upton Fire and EMS Association, which served up frozen treats to top off the day.

“This event truly brought people together, which is exactly what this building was designed for,” said Tania Paparazzo, Director of Elder and Social Services. “It was heartwarming to see so many of our seniors connecting, sharing stories, and enjoying a beautiful day. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors and volunteers who made it all possible.”

The event was made possible through the generous sponsorships of Friends of Upton Seniors (FUSe) and the Upton Fire and EMS Association. Volunteers of all ages worked behind the scenes to ensure every guest felt welcomed and celebrated.

Steve Rakitin, President of FUSe, reflected on the afternoon: “We’re thrilled to support events like this that bring joy to our senior community. It’s more than just a meal — it’s about fostering connection and celebrating the vibrancy of our older adults.”

For many attendees, the ice cream truck was the highlight of the afternoon. “This was one of the best afternoons I’ve had all summer,” said Harvey Baler, a long time Upton resident. “The food was fantastic, the music was wonderful, and the ice cream truck brought me right back to being a kid again. I’m so grateful for everything the Senior Center does for us.”

Located in the Upton Community Center, the Upton Senior Center continues to be a vital resource, offering exercise classes, games, special interest groups, and events year-round. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and pick up the latest newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming programs.

Submitted by Upton Senior Center