Club president Pete Igitol and other Rotarians met with the senior citizens for the annual treat that also included games and prizes.
“We enjoy coming here. You are our benefactors,” he told the manamko’.
Aging Center Director Rose Mondala said the club has always been generous to the elderly as she thanked the Rotarians for their continued support and for considering the congregates as part of the family.
“Every year the Rotary Club opens the holiday season for us,” she said.
Rotarian Ben Babauta said they also gave away prizes following the raffle draw and games.
In an interview, Senior Citizen Advisory Council president Teresita Sorroza thanked the Rotarians for always “remembering senior citizens even during these tough times.”
She added, “They are concerned for us. They continue to give us food and donate funds.”
Council vice president Maria Salinas said it was her first time to celebrate Thanksgiving lunch with the Rotary Club.
“They are very thoughtful,” she said. “We hope they will continue to share their blessings every year. We are also hoping they will always succeed in whatever they do.”
Of the more than 60 congregates, 43 participated in the Thanksgiving lunch. The rest were sick or had personal appointments, Sorroza said.
Mondala said the congregates on Tinian and Rota will also hold their separate Thanksgiving celebrations and will receive food and other supplies from her office.
Walter Manglona, the center’s program coordinator, led the entertainment program during the Thanksgiving lunch with the Saipan Rotarians.
He said they have lots of talented senior citizens at the center.
During their free time, the musically inclined manamko’ come together and play their instruments, he added.
The advisory council has just bought a new drum set, he noted.
Yesterday’s performers were Jess Pangelinan and Vicente Laniyo on vocals and guitar, Walter Manglona on keyboard, drums and vocals, and Alex Laniyo on keyboard and ukulele.
Also performing were Maxi Mereb, Terry Sitae and Maryalen Conrad.
