On Wednesday, Dec. 31, Union County Senior Center members and staff rang in the new year in style with the inaugural “Noon Year’s Swingin’ Mocktail Party,” a new spin on the center’s annual “Possum Drop.”
Of course, the beloved crochet marsupial still made an appearance this year, swinging in on the end of a fishing line to usher in 2026.
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Speaking of swinging, this year’s celebrations featured swing music. The classics were played both before and during lunch, which consisted of the “traditional” New Year’s meal, including black-eyed peas and greens to represent prosperity. After that, the tunes continued in a room set aside for those who felt froggy enough to dance after Bingo.
Courtesy of Cynthia DeKemper, a fanciful finger food spread with a starry theme provided snacks alongside the mocktails, that is, non-alcoholic cocktails. Patti Goretti, a member of the Senior Center herself along with DeKemper, came up with the idea for the event.
“I thought, ‘It’d be fun to do mocktails,’” Goretti admitted, proud that her planning came to fruition. “I was laying in bed thinking about it, and all those (mocktails) came to my head.”
The “Blairsville Sunrise,” made of orange juice and punch, and the “Senior Seltzer,” comprised of cranberry juice and ginger ale, both went over very well among the partygoers.
DeKemper, too, had a hand in helping guests feel festive. She shared that her husband enjoys hats, and she brought some sequined, light-up fedoras and bowties with her for some of the men to wear while the ladies enjoyed tasteful New Year’s headbands. DeKemper herself was crowned in a bejeweled tiara.
That said, two came out on top in the friendly “Best Dressed” competition. Phyllis Haws, in a gorgeous pink and gold blouse, and Roger Towne, dressed smart in a grey suit, stood for a photo and received applause as recognition among their friends before Senior Center Director Laura Briggs called for everyone’s attention.
As the clock struck 12 p.m., Briggs, in a celebratory black dress and heels, gradually lowered the crocheted opossum to the floor at the end of a fishing pole. The festive creature had its own little party hat on, and when its nose touched the tile, a great cheer went up to welcome 2026.
Dorothy “Dottie” Corcoran wished for health, wealth and prosperity in the new year, while Verna Edwards, bedecked in her University of Georgia best, hoped that the Georgia Bulldogs would take home more victories.
“(I want to) stay healthy and (am) just very happy to keep enjoying this beautiful place where I live and doing things with friends,” said Nancy Sanford, who was certainly accomplishing that sitting with Corcoran and Edwards.
“This is my fourth (year),” said Robert “Bob” Faye, who has made a tradition of coming to the Senior Center not just for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but in general. It was through the Senior Center that he met his wife and many good friends, so it means a great deal to him to be able to go. For that reason, he hopes to continue his visits all through 2026 and beyond.
“I’m 81 years old, so I’d like to accomplish celebrating (the) New Year again,” Faye teased.
Perhaps it would behoove one to remember the mindset that celebrant Louis Turner has going into the new year: “The best is yet to come.”
