The Port O’Connor School students sang for the guests at the Seniors Luncheon. Pictured above are soloists Ally Luna, Brinley Walters, Brooklyn Redmond, and Kinley Lowery, along with Sam Thumann, holding the school’s mascot, Daphne. -Photo by Sue Kubecka

The 32nd Christmas Luncheon for our Senior Residents (those of at least 50 years Young) and other members of our area as hosted and prepared by the POC Community Service Club members, was held on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Community Center. And this Luncheon should really take its place in history as it promised to be a very delightful experience that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Entering the driveways of the Community Center, one saw not just the large standing sign denoting that this was the place for the Luncheon, but the exterior ropes around the dolphins’ statue covered with greenery and decorated with red bows. When most of the guests arrived at 10:30 a.m., they were greeted not only by POC’s very special lady, Agnes Valigura, but a lighted Snowman of a very large size commanding the entry. Staged in an extremely artistic manner is the Nativity scene that has been brought to the forefront of the entry on the old table formed of hatch-covers from a shrimp boat. Club members under the direction and artistic talent of Janet Johnson (the current President of the POC Service Club) designed and made the statues forming this Creche and enlisted the aid of a very talented husband who constructed the wooden manger. As the theme this year in decorating the Hall and trees featured Snowmen, and Angels, Santas and Teddy Bears (if we were able to appropriate those hiding in the toy chest of a grandchild), and a few red birds lurking on the trees, a multi-group of images greeted the guests in entering the Hall.

As people walked into the interior of the Community Center, they found a huge lighted tree displaying all sorts of Christmassy decorations and many stunningly wrapped packages beneath it. Nearby tables were covered with icy blue cloths and had various types and sizes of Snowmen traveling down the center to sustain the image of a wintry scene. And this image was aided by groups of Santas as well as a few well placed Angels that dominated several tables. Additionally, there were red birds placed along the centers of the tables with a few slightly “stolen” Teddy Bears to add to the yester-year enjoyment. And one table was covered with images of gingerbread figures as well as a large house that was placed by a member. In one corner of the large room was a huge Santa puzzle that had been created by a former member and her husband; this puzzle adds to the memories of our Luncheons as it is now displayed in her memory.

And then entertainment began with the arrival of the Elementary School children who came to sing many holiday songs and caused each of us to watch them and listen with moist eyes; perhaps remembering an occasion with our children, or now, with our grandchildren. This was quite an experience reliving some of those very special moments in our lives. Adding to the enjoyment of the music were several solos sung by some new classmates; but seeing “Daphne”, the four-legged mascot as held by one student just about brought down the house!

Following the departure of the children and before the arrival of all the delicious smelling food, Janet Johnson, President, announced the recipients of our Citizens of the Year. To no one’s great surprise, Agnes Valigura, our very, very special lady and a member of the Service Club for many years, received this award. The next was Andy Westling, the “handy-dandy” husband of a member who has made himself indispensable at our Garage Sales and other happenings requiring those manly skills. But the most important (and fun award according to the members of the Committee) was to totally surprise Janet with Citizen of the Year. Watching her face as many of the accolades were spoken before she finally realized that SHE was the recipient was a total delight! And as I was one of the members of the Committee, I really enjoyed it!

Following these awards, Father Oliver, the new pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, was present to give the blessing of the food and the membership of the Service Club for their work in bringing about this Luncheon. And then it was time to eat!

Soon the food arrived with its welcoming aroma floating out from the kitchen, which caused looks of amazement on the faces of our guests as they noticed pan after pan of sliced meats and large bowls and pans of other foods being placed on the center serving table. Taking a tray from the front of the table and proceeding down it, a guest soon found a tasty display of ham and brisket; mashed sweet potatoes, white potatoes and Cajun yams; green bean and corn casseroles; delicious rolls and butter; coleslaw, and at the end of the long table, a huge bowl of fruit, which at times perplexed the guest looking at his now-filled plate. Where to put all that wonderful food? Returning to their seats, they were then greeted with various beverages and a little later, the dessert trays were wheeled in with choices of many pies, puddings and chocolate cheesecakes. If anyone left that afternoon not feeling totally replete, well, no sympathy from me.

And following the completion or almost of a person’s food, was the drawing for the many gifts as were bunched around the big tree. Calling out the numbers on the raffle tickets was Joyce Jordan, the head of the Decorating Committee, and she became totally amazed at the amount of presents available. And various members then displayed their talents as “Santa’s Elves” in awarding these gifts to the guests.

Following cleanup duties in the kitchen, each member then turned to another and wished her a Happy and Joyful Christmas with the additional words, “See you in January — 2013!” And the next meeting of this incredible organization will be Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Center. We welcome the presence of women who would like to engage with us in the often necessary service to our community. Contact Janet Johnson, 983-4737 or Shirley Gordon, Membership Chairman, at the Library!

Seniors Luncheon guests enjoyed the music by the school kids (who were situated on both sides of the room). -Photo by Sue Kubecka