CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY TO SIMI SENIOR CENTER.

Byline: Angela Randazzo Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - Wearing a wreath for a hat, Angie Buffalo scooped minty green ice cream for the seniors who donned red and green Thursday - some wearing Santa Claus hats, while others adorned their outfits with reindeer, and snowflakes and all sorts of holiday items.

It was Christmas in July at the Simi Valley Senior Center, and Buffalo and fellow partygoers were in the holiday spirit.

``It's a little different,'' said Buffalo, who has helped at the center for 10 years. ``We've got the band here and Santa Claus here - how great can that be? It's a nice break in the year and an extra chance to celebrate.''

More than 100 seniors enjoyed the festivities that included walls decked with snowmen and reindeer, a cake decorated with Merry Christmas greetings, holiday cookies and poinsettia center pieces.

Santa Claus, looking fit and in his traditional red suit, was seated on a small throne next to a Christmas tree trimmed with lights, gold ornaments and topped by an angel - a perfect setting for picture taking and taking turns sitting on Santa's knee.

Ida Pape of Simi Valley and her daughter-in-law, Rosemarie Pape, each sat on a knee as camera's flashed. Santa then gave them each a candy cane.

``I come from Germany, I've never seen a Christmas in July before,'' said Rosemarie Pape. ``I won't tell anybody in Germany, they'll think we're crazy, but I just love to come here and be with the people. Everyone is in the Christmas spirit and has a good time.''

While Santa Claus was giving out candy canes, there was dancing and singing to ``Holly Jolly, Christmas'' and other holiday favorites performed by the Bud Fischer band.

This is the second year the center has held a Christmas in July party and it's fast becoming a tradition.

``I come every day, five days a week,'' said Louis Redmond, 74, of Simi Valley, a regular at the center. ``Christmas is my favorite holiday and we have it two times a year.''