By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Whether it’s the jitterbug, the twist, the locomotion or even the waltz, grandparents can show their grandchildren what the dance crazes were like in their youth at a special Grandparents Day Dance set for Sept. 16.
The event, which runs from noon to 3 p.m., is being held at the Monroe Senior Center at 12 Halsey Road, Monroe Township. It is being sponsored by Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo and Daniel Benson and state Senator Linda Greenstein of the 14th Legislative District.
The lunch and dance are open to residents of the 14th Legislative District, which includes Hightstown Borough, and East Windsor, Cranbury, Robbinsville, Monroe, Jamesburg, Plainsboro, Spotswood, and Hamilton townships.
The deadline to register is Sept. 8. Grandparents are encouraged to attend and bring their grandchildren to celebrate the afternoon together, DeAngelo said.
The Grandparents Day Dance is an outgrowth of Grandparents Day, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, DeAngelo said. It became a national holiday in 1978, after President Jimmy Carter signed it into law.
The initial proclamation signed by President Carter acknowledged that it is a day to honor grandparents and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance that older people can offer.
“My own grandparents had a very positive impact on me, and the Grandparents Day Dance will be a great way to celebrate these wonderful family bonds,” Sen. Greenstein said.
Benson said he was “thrilled” that to host a Grandparents Day Dance for residents in the 14th Legislative District. The contributions and impact that grandparents have on their grandchildren “cannot be stressed enough,” he said.
To register, call Assemblyman DeAngelo’s office at 609-631-7501 or email via [email protected].