Burb’s Eye View: Joslyn Center welcomes seniors to hail the King

If you were one of the dozens of seniors who shook their maracas at last year’s Rock-A-Hula in Burbank, you have Elvis to thank.

Mayor Bob Frutos said he was inspired to throw a pool party for the city’s senior residents after watching the King in “Blue Hawaii.”

“He created a Rock-A-Hula for his parents; I thought that was a great theme,” Frutos said.

He also wanted to introduce neighbors to the refurbished Verdugo Pool, and the city’s Rock-A-Hula was born.

This year’s Rock-A-Hula will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday. It will feature the music of Joe Finkel and the 7/10 Splits and an Aqua Boogie demo — a low-impact workout for seniors in the pool led by instructor Deni King.

If you’re hungry, Bill Anderson will have you covered, serving hot dogs and chips. Anderson is on the Burbank Senior Citizen Board and president of the house committee at the Joslyn Adult Center.

“It’s (about) the comradeship of people your own age,” Anderson said. “Everybody’s in a good mood, and it’s a happy event.”

Will there be dancing? Absolutely. But you don’t necessarily have to hula to enjoy this party.

“It’s about getting to know other people and being nice to them,” said Betty Lush, who attended last year.

The city has arranged some transportation for seniors who attend. Lush picked up a ride right at her home at Olive Plaza Apartments.

Despite their best efforts, organizers were unable to control the weather last year. To combat the heat, there will be many more shade areas in which to lounge.

“We want everyone 55 and over from our community to come,” said Gayle Migden, the Joslyn Adult Center’s recreation supervisor.

Party-goers can sign up for the free party at the Joslyn Center, 1301 W. Olive Ave., or at burbankparks.com. Grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts are encouraged, and Lush said you probably should prepare to make a new friend or two while you’re there.

One of them may be the mayor himself.

“As long as I’m on council, I’ll be fighting hard for (Rock-A-Hula) every year,” Frutos said.

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BRYAN MAHONEY writes about Burbank neighbors and the place they call home. He can be reached at 818NewGuy@gmail.com and on Twitter at @818NewGuy.