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Thanksgiving comes two days early for man’amko
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Posted on Nov 22 2005
Thanksgiving Day was observed two days in advance yesterday at the Aging Center as the Saipan Rotary Club treated the facility’s more than 150 man’amko to a grand feast.
Rotarians joined hands as they smiled, greeted, and served food to Saipan’s elderly. The meal included roasted chicken, ham, salad, rice, pumpkin pie, and cake.
Rotary president James Whitt said the club has been doing the gesture to the man’amko for 10 years now. He said the project is part of the club’s service to the community.
Whitt said the club did not only provide lunch to the man’amko but it also donated a reclining chair to the Aging Center. He said that last year the club renovated the tennis court inside the center and provided it equipment.
“It has been a very heartwarming experience personally,” Whitt said. Whitt also brought his wife, Debbie, daughter Deja and son Taylor to the event.
Whitt said he wanted his children to witness the community service the club has been doing for several years now. He said his kids should understand at a young age the importance of taking care of the elderly. His daughter Deja said she joined his parents in the event to show respect to the man’amko.
Man’amko Isabel Mahilum said she is grateful for the Rotary Club for treating them once again for Thanksgiving this year. “It’s been nice. We are happy that every year they come and give us presents,” she said.
Aqua Resort Club sales and marketing manager Dorina Gabutero also joined the Rotarians
in the event. Gabutero also took the opportunity to donate a $500 check to Aging Center director Joseph Palacios. ARC general manager Brian Pak personally handed over the check to the Aging Center director.
The money was part of the proceeds from the recently held “Jazz One Night” concert at the Achugao hotel two weeks ago. The hotel also provided yesterday’s entertainment.
The Rotary Club president also thanked Hyatt Regency Saipan, Coca Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia), Inc., Pacific Trading Co., Triple J Wholesale, and Café at the Park for extending assistance during the event.
