By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE Legislature, headed by senior citizens committee chairman Sen. Jesse Anderson Lujan, R-Tamuning, is hosting a reception for the island’s manamko’ today at the SandCastle in Tumon.
Approximately 500 seniors who are registered at their village senior citizens centers are slated to attend the event.
Thanks to the generosity of the local business community, over $10,000 was raised for this event — over $8,000 in cash came from 17 businesses and an additional $2,000 in the form of in-kind services or products were donated by 19 others.
According to Lujan, no government funds are being used to sponsor this event, which has the theme “Corporate Citizens for Senior Citizens” coming together and sharing in the community’s appreciation of its manamko’.
“Many of our manamko’ have not experienced the unique entertainment the SandCastle offers, which is usually geared to the visitors of our island. It is only right that on this special day we treat them to the best of what Guam has to offer. I applaud the local businesses who contributed money, donated products, or provided in-kind services to make this event happen,” Lujan said.
This event is part of the month-long celebration of May as senior citizens month.
Several activities have been held to promote positive attitudes toward aging and to recognize the active, healthy, and independent lives that many manamko’ lead.
In the mainland, Older Americans Month began with Proclamation 3257, which President Kennedy issued on April 18, 1963, proclaiming the month of May to be Senior Citizens Month.
That original celebration established a tradition of promoting older Americans’ contributions to society as well as raising awareness of their special needs.
In 1980, President Carter changed the name of the month-long celebration to Older Americans Month.