Rotarians treat elderly to Thanksgiving luncheon

The Rotary Club of Saipan treated yesterday the island’s elderly to a special Thanksgiving luncheon, a traditional celebration that has been going on for the past 25 years.

Nearly a hundred senior citizens were offered their favorite dishes ranging from turkey, titidias, mash potatoes, the popular local kelaguen, vegetable salads, and a bunch of appetizers and fresh fruits that all excited their palates.

Rotary Club president Laila Y. Boyer said this year’s Thanksgiving is more meaningful to Rotarians because they are also celebrating the club’s 45 years of dedicated service to the community.

As everyone enjoyed the food, club members also treated senior citizens with special prizes as they conducted the annual Thanksgiving raffle. Guests and hosts were also seen together demonstrating their dancing prowess on the floor.

“Each year, they dedicate their time to spend their Thanksgiving with us and it’s something we’re always excited about!” shared 65-year-old Maxie Mereb from Chinatown.

For Lucy Camacho, 71, every time they were paid a visit by anyone, they feel the love and appreciation from the community. Like Mereb, Camacho is a constant participant in the traditional Thanksgiving luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club.

Apart from the luncheon, Boyer also turned over yesterday to the CNMI Operation Home Front 13 cases of cup and bowl noodles especially dedicated to the CNMI service members who faithfully serve the nation and will celebrate the Christmas holidays away from their loved ones. Last year, service members received from Rotarians Christmas CDs in their home care package.

The two events were both held at the Aging Center in Chinatown yesterday in the presence of participants from all parties.

According to Boyer, this year’s Thanksgiving meal was prepared by different families and catering groups with the sole objective of putting healthy food for their special guests. Joining Rotarians are members of the Marianas High School’s Interact Club, partner of the Rotary Club, which mission is to interact and learn from their ancestors.

Last Monday, the man’amko also received from the youth organization a special movie treat at the Regal Theaters, which accorded the senior citizens a special movie rate. Boyer said this is the first time Rotarians have partnered with the youth group in the hopes that the new generation will learn more and have much appreciation to the values and contributions of the nation’s elderly.

“This is the kind of traditions that we, Rotarians, would like to continue for our man’amko,” Boyer said yesterday.

For his part, Aging Center executive director Walter Manglona expressed the center’s appreciation to the consistent support and love expressed by the Rotarians, whom he said, made sure that all food offered are healthy for the senior citizens.