By Elizabeth Covino
MethuenLife Writer

The Methuen YMCA’s gymnasium was filled with laughter, smiles and fabulous dance moves at the recent Special Friends Dance.
YMCA Executive Director of Child Care and Methuen YMCA Cathy Redard greeted the guests and made sure the dance floor stayed busy.

“The YMCA is a place where all are welcome and celebrated. These dances provide a social opportunity for the community to come together in fellowship and fun,” she said.

The Y promotes the power of choice to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all abilities. Through membership and programs, they strive to provide diverse, accessible recreation in an environment that fosters dignity, success and fun.

“Adults with diverse abilities are invited to come to our themed dances with music, friends and fun. Drinks and desserts will be provided,” Redard said. She added that participants who require assistance need to be accompanied by a caregiver or family member who can attend free of charge.

Nichelle Delgado, who attended the School for Exceptional Studies in Lawrence, was one of the first on the dance floor when the Village People’s “YMCA” song was played. This 33-year-old enjoys meeting new people and dancing and has been several times over the past years.

“I love connecting with other people, meeting new friends. I’m making important connections. It’s very nice what the YMCA is doing for people with special needs. It’s important for us so we can connect with one another,” she said.

Delgado works at the Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport and is on their Peer Support Board and shares that she is a “self-advocate for people with disabilities.”

56-year-old Kevin McCarthy’s is all smiles when he talks about coming to the Special Friends Dances: “I work across the street at Market Basket as a bagger. People love me there. It’s good to have the Y here. I have a lot of friends here. It’s a great place to meet people,” he said.

McCarthy lives on Tower Hill in Lawrence and has worked at Market Basket, a job he loves, for 32 years.
“I love to dance and I love the music!” he said.

Waystone Health and Services direct care workers Martin Mburu and James Cann-Jamakloe brought four residents to the Y for dancing and fun.

“Our residents talk about it all week. It’s a good thing for them to get out in the community. It can get boring for them. They love to get the opportunity to come and meet other people. It’s a boost to their morale. They are segregated in the group home. These dances are a nice opportunity and I think they should continue. They are once month. It would be great to have them every two weeks!” Mburu said.
Methuen native Mike Pauk picked up his girlfriend Jessie Hampton for a date at the dance.

“We’ve been coming for years. It gives us something fun to do and a great place to go,” he said.

Hampton was waiting to dance when Abba’s “Dancing Queen” and Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” was part of the musical rotation. Pauk and Hampton met in elementary school in Lawrence and as adults worked at American Training together.

Redard shared that during the pandemic, when these dances were paused, Pauk dropped off hand-written notes requesting that the dances resume.

“I really missed these events during the pandemic,” he said.

After residing in Lawrence and North Andover, Pauk is back in living in his hometown of Methuen. After a busy work week at his job as a Utility Specialist at Warde Senior Living in Windham, N.H., a position he has held for 20 years, he loves dancing at the Y.

For more information on the Special Friends Dance or to volunteer, please reach out to Cathy Redard at credard@mvymca.or or call (978) 683-5266.

“These are great events that bring joy to all that attend!” she said.

Special Friends Dance attendees Mike Pauk and Jessie Hampton are hooked on these fun dances and connecting with others. 

First-time attendee Charlie Celed said he “loves the wild music” and will definitely attend another Special Friends Dance in the future!