For 32 years the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center in Alexandria has been a second home to people age 60 and over. The Arlington Diocese Catholic Charities center offers activities and companionship to hundreds of area seniors, many who live at or below the poverty level.The center provides nutritious lunches at low or no cost, recreational opportunities, and wellness activities like health screening, Tai Chi and exercise classes.

And the center throws an annual Christmas party that is the hit of the year. This year a new program manager greeted guests at last week’s party.

Tom Grodek took over from Carol Augustine who retired in August after 20 years of service.

He’s a parishioner of Holy Spirit Church in Annandale and spent 20 years as a Naval officer and nine more as a Navy civilian. Two years ago he took a job teaching math and physics at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax.

Grodek and his wife Marilyn have four grown children. Their second child, Maureen, has profound intellectual disabilities and lives at home. He said that the advocacy work he did for his daughter had a lot to do with his applying for, and accepting, the job at St. Martin’s.

He’s spoken to many seniors since he arrived on the job in September and said that they love to be at the senior center and that the lives of seniors in this area are better because of the center.

“That’s a credit to Carol and the 30 years of staff behind me,” Grodek said.

He calls the center “a happy place and a fun place.”

More than 100 seniors were on hand to celebrate with friends, family and staff.

Grodek kicked off the party by welcoming everyone and wishing them a “Merry Christmas.” Steve Luteran, director of Catholic Charities, led the guests in grace before lunch was served.

A disc jockey played songs and people danced and sang along to the “golden oldies.”

Then a special guest made an appearance. Santa Claus, played by Holy Spirit parishioner Tony Musco, arrived to the strains of “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and with the help of his elves, played by Maria Carvalho, assistant director, and Maryanne McMillan, activities coordinator, handed out presents to eager guests.

One of the guests enjoying the Christmas spirit was 87-year-old Said Hashimi. The Afghanistan native visits the center every day.

“I have many friends here,” he said.

Hashimi is proud of the diversity at the senior center.

“There are people here from 16 or 17 countries speaking 14 or 15 different languages. There are Christians, Jews, Hindus and Muslims here,” he said.

Ashley Coatses has been coming to St. Martin for 20 years.

“It’s my second family,” she said.

Pauline Lynch has been visiting the center a few times a month for more than 10 years.

“I come here for the trips and the good times,” she said.

Grodek likes to hear about seniors coming to the center for fun and good times. He said that it is a principle of Catholic social teaching that communities must enhance the lives and confirm the dignity of all people. He sees his mission as going beyond the walls of the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center.

“I know I need to lead us to reach out more in that wider mission,” said Grodek. “I am happy to have that challenge.”