The Mildred Avenue Senior Citizens group had a lively Christmas breakfast and lunch party at the community center on Dec. 19 – with more than a little dancing and singing mixed in as well.

The seniors started their day-program at the Mildred Avenue Community Center last February. It has become wildly popular with scores attending every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Founder Barbara Crichlow said they feel very fortunate to create such a popular and sustainable program so quickly and were excited to have their first Christmas party – recalling that there was no such happy gathering for Mattapan seniors last year.

This year’s fete was punctuated by guests including Mayor Wu, Councillor Michael Flaherty, Police Commissioner Michael Cox, and other supporters.

Several of the Mildred Avenue seniors and special guests gathered for a group shot during the party. The food was sponsored by Related Beal, with Mattapan’s Aisha Miller of Related Beal, far right, in attendance. Seth Daniel photos

Santa Claus might be coming to town, but Myrtle Huggins was already there – dancing up a storm of Christmas songs from the Jackson 5 during the Christmas party.

Arthur and Lynette Griffeth with Vernessa Harris of the City’s AgeStrong Commission. The Griffeths are well known for appearing frequently in television advertisements for Consumer Cellular. They filmed the commercial on a whim several years ago in New York, but their segment remains on air.

Dressed for the season were Agatha McGuire, Donna Henderson, and Millie Edwards.