TORONTO — Members of the Toronto Senior Citizens group met Oct. 16, and got an early start celebrating Halloween, as officials planned a holiday-themed meeting.

Inside the Karaffa Recreation Center, 72 members took part in Halloween festivities, including some attendees having dressed in costume. Lynette Pearce provided the blessing prior to the dinner consisting of lasagna, green beans, salad, rolls and pie. The meal was catered by Connie’s Corner.

Club President John Livingstone opened the meeting by leading in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by welcoming the group and acknowledging those who dressed for the occasion.

Secretary Joyce Zimmerman read the minutes from the September meeting and Treasurer Pat Smith reported on the club’s finances.

Social Secretary Peggy Ziarko acknowledged those who have an October anniversary or birthday. She then informed attendees of those who will serve on the kitchen committee for November.

Livingstone thanked the kitchen committee and others who helped to set up. The club welcomed back Jack Billham as a member and announced the club’s newest member, Sharon Diamond.

For the second year, the club will be an angel sponsor for Inspire Toronto’s Light the Night event. This year’s holiday event will be held Nov. 29 at the corner of Fourth and Clark streets. The group is also a participating sponsor of the Beers and Bags event, which benefits the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Toronto. That event took place Saturday.

The club began to fundraise during the meeting, raising money for the Fraternal Order of Police Toronto Lodge No. 1 and its annual Christmas with a Cop program. The club will present its gift to the lodge in early November.

Lisa Rex was the winner of the 50/50 drawing and received $125. Okey Nestor was the winner of the basket drawing. There were 14 members who won door prizes.

Bonnie Emery, Carole Eddy and Linda Livingstone won $28 each playing bingo. Judy Bickler won $37 during the cover-all.

Anyone 55 years of age or older and who lives in Ohio can join the group.

The monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month between March and December. Meetings are held at the Karaffa Recreation Center, located at 1307 Dennis Way in Toronto.