Sue Korinchak calls a round of wheelchair square dancing last week at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople. Volunteers are needed to push the residents around the dance floor during the monthly activity.

ZELIENOPLE — As the calls came through the microphone, Josephine Elstner and her partner spun with the accompanying 45 record.

Like the other couples in the group, the pair proudly promenaded, clapping and cheering to the old-time music.

But only half of the dancers were responsible for completing the moves called out over the speaker. Elstner and a group of others were seated in wheelchairs, enjoying the monthly activity as much as anyone.

Once a month, Passavant Retirement Community holds wheelchair square dancing for its residents who can no longer dance on their own.

The activity, held at the retirement community for about the last year, drew both dancers and spectators last week.

With the spectators seated around the sides, the dancers learned and danced three routines.

Lisa Scheidemantle, Passavant activities specialist, said the dances allow the residents to continue a hobby that they otherwise would be unable to do.

"They have fun,"she said.

Listed as a regular activity on the schedule, she said attendance typically depends on how each dancer is feeling on the scheduled day.

Not all of the dancers are wheelchair-bound, though.

Scheidemantle said one dancer is able to walk, but sat in a wheelchair to participate in the activity.

"She loves to dance," Scheidemantle said.

Sue Korinchak, last Monday's caller and a member of the North Hills Squares, said the claps and cheers are always a positive.

"That's good whenever you get them involved," she said.

The biggest problem, though, is finding volunteers to push the dancers each month.

Last Monday, four of the partners were volunteers, but the other four were Passavant employees.

Last month, the square dancing was canceled because of the lack of volunteers.

"That's the hardest part,"she said.

For residents like Elstner, though, the activity is a chance to enjoy the music and relive younger years.

In Elstner's case, the activity lets her enjoy music and fun.

"Ialways like that,"she said

For information on volunteering for wheelchair square dancing, call Kathy Morrow at 724-452-5400, Ext. 5414.