Mary Ann and Joe Durta love to dance.
After retirement, the Hammond couple found more time to follow their hobby of choice, specifically attending the senior dances offered at Civic Center.
“This is a great way to socialize and to get our bodies moving,” Mary Ann Durta said recently, during one of the weekly dances. “As we get older, physical movement is very important.”
Her husband agreed, and added, “This (weekly venue) is the only place around here where you can find live entertainment during the week for senior citizens.”
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More than 40 other seniors joined the Durtas at the Jean Shepherd Center as they listened to tunes played by the Pete Carlo Trio, kept the dance floor full, chatted with others, and enjoyed refreshments.
In the past, the Wednesday afternoon get-togethers, which have been offered for more than two decades, were called, “Ballroom Dances”.
Originally held at Civic Center, the weekly activities (live band and refreshments) were funded by the City of Hammond.
That changed two years ago, when budget cuts found the core group of 40 senior citizens on their own to keep the music flowing.
They met that challenge by adding a small admission, as well as receiving some support from individuals in the community.
The collection of seniors that continue to make sure everyone has a venue to attend each week has no formal name, but Hammond residents spearheading the group are Sandy Suchala, Mary LeVan, and Bobbi and Al Edmon.
Currently, the city is offering Jean Shepherd Center as a site, and the group is looking to keep it that way.
“The floor here is great and we still have our fabulous bands,” Le Van said. “Everyone likes this new venue — we’re just happy to have a place to dance.”
Friends and senior citizens Lois McCan of Chicago Heights, Ill., and Ruth Becher of Valparaiso are acquainted with members of the Pete Carlo Trio, the band playing at the recent dance.
The ladies could sometimes be found on the dance floor, but they were just as happy to listen to the music and watch the others.
“We like to follow the band to the different places they are playing. I guess you could call up groupies,” McCan said, with a laugh.
Table after table of attendees could be heard commenting on the great exercise and wonderful social structure they found each week.
“I love it here,” said Francine Shreffler of Valparaiso. “Where else can you get all dressed up in the middle of the week and have so much fun?”
For more information about the weekly Senior Dances, call (219) 989-0107.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer at the Post-Tribune.