SENIOR DANCES — The Greater Weirton Senior Citizens Center held its first dance of the year April 3. Officials announced dances are held for the public twice a month, with the next dance scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Above, those taking part included, from left, Marie Parker, Director Jeannie Smith and Jan Shoup. Below, attendees enjoyed sharing a meal and taking breaks in between dances. The cost is $10 per person or $15 per couple. The center is located at 3425 Main St. in Weirton. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — The Greater Weirton Senior Citizens Center, located at 3425 Main St. in Weirton, will continue holding its bi-monthly dances through the remainder of the year.

According to the center’s new director, Jeannie Smith, the first dance took place on April 3.

The spring event featured live music from local resident Jack Thomas, who performed a select variety of music for those in attendance.

The center, which is a nonprofit organization, will hold its next dance from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

The community is invited to attend, Smith announced.

One does not have to be a member of the center nor a resident of Weirton to attend the center’s dances.

The bi-monthly get-togethers are not only a fundraising celebration, but are occasions in which everyone can meet new people, listen and dance to musical hits performed by either a disc jockey or live entertainment, enjoy a variety of different foods and form new friendships.

This week’s dance will include music that is provided by DJ Chris Culinan.

Smith explained the center is not operated or funded by the City of Weirton and relies solely upon assistance from grants, donations, memberships and fundraisers in order to keep the facility operating.

She noted a new roof has been needed at the facility for some time, and the proceeds raised through events such as the bi-monthly dances are used toward those upgrade costs.

Smith said the first dance to take place every month through December, will have the main entree provided by Wyngate Senior Living Community in Weirton.

The senior center provides the entree portion for the second dance of the month. Guests attending are asked to bring along a covered dish to share among participants.

The cost to attend the dance is $10 per person or $15 per couple, Smith stated.

Upcoming dances following Thursday’s event will include: May 1 and May 15, June 5 and June 19, July 3 and July 17, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21, Sept. 4 and Sept. 18, Oct. 2 and Oct. 16, Nov. 6 and Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 and Dec. 18.

All dances run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Anyone of any age can take part, officials noted.

The Dec. 18 event will be the center’s Christmas dance and will include a Chinese auction and door prizes.

In addition to dances and everyday activities, the senior center takes part in a couple of bus tours during the year.

Smith said a trip to the Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley has been planned for June 13.

Those who plan on attending the outing should make sure to arrive at the senior center by 8:30 a.m. in order to board the bus, Smith said.

The group will be stopping to enjoy an Amish buffet lunch at the Dutch Valley Restaurant in Sugarcreek around 11:30 a.m., Smith continued.

The group will then see the show “The Road to Damascus,” at the theater at 1 p.m.

The cost to attend the trip will be $100 for 40 or more attendees, or can range up to $115 dependent upon the number of seats filled.

The price of the trip covers the dinner, theater and bus trip, Smith said.

Money is due by May 5.

“Our center is wonderful for party rentals,” Smith commented, saying the facility can be rented for events by completing an application.

For information, call the center at (304) 748-3490.