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12/29/2009 11:00 PM

Rotary's Holiday Luncheon Delivers


Enjoying service with a smile at the Dec. 16 Rotary Seniors' Holiday Luncheon, courtesy of servers Joe Mazza (Guilford's first selectman and a Rotarian) and Rotary President-elect 2010 Wayne Staschke, are Emma Magee, Arlene Greene, and Brenda Barber.

The Guilford Rotary filled the wish lists of more than 185 senior citizens Dec. 16 with a festive holiday meal, music, and gifts for all.The generous annual gift draws busloads of Guilford's most seasoned residents for a seasonal favorite supplying a traditional hot meal of turkey with all the fixings, dessert, singing, music, and a bagful of gifts. The free event is delivered each year courtesy Guilford Rotary.

The generous annual gift draws busloads of Guilford's most seasoned residents for a seasonal favorite supplying a traditional hot meal of turkey with all the fixings, dessert, singing, music, and a bagful of gifts. The free event is delivered each year courtesy Guilford Rotary."This year we have 70-plus Rotarians serving our seniors or back in the kitchen cooking," said Al Jacobs, event chair.

"This year we have 70-plus Rotarians serving our seniors or back in the kitchen cooking," said Al Jacobs, event chair. Jacobs took on the challenge of organizing the event shortly after it was established 28 years ago and continues to lead the troops each year. This year, he thanked area businesses for holiday monetary gift contributions, including Walmart ($1,000 donation); Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center and Webster Bank ($250 contributions); and Ed Walker, Linda Volpe, and Sunset Creek Development. Jacobs also thanked Guilford Savings Bank, Globe Pequot books, and Pat Todd for delivering gifts to add to all the gift bags given to every senior that day.

Jacobs took on the challenge of organizing the event shortly after it was established 28 years ago and continues to lead the troops each year. This year, he thanked area businesses for holiday monetary gift contributions, including Walmart ($1,000 donation); Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center and Webster Bank ($250 contributions); and Ed Walker, Linda Volpe, and Sunset Creek Development. Jacobs also thanked Guilford Savings Bank, Globe Pequot books, and Pat Todd for delivering gifts to add to all the gift bags given to every senior that day. In the kitchen at the Nathanael Greene Community Center, the vaunted "Pink Ladies" (Rotarians in pink T-shirts) put out a meal orchestrated by non-Rotary volunteers Eric Beech (head chef) and Steve Sinni (owner) of Chips Pub III in Clinton. Guilford Greenery (poinsettia table decorations), Guilford Food Center (cheese trays), and Bishop's Orchards Farm Market (pies) all contributed to make the dinner complete, noted Jacobs.

In the kitchen at the Nathanael Greene Community Center, the vaunted "Pink Ladies" (Rotarians in pink T-shirts) put out a meal orchestrated by non-Rotary volunteers Eric Beech (head chef) and Steve Sinni (owner) of Chips Pub III in Clinton. Guilford Greenery (poinsettia table decorations), Guilford Food Center (cheese trays), and Bishop's Orchards Farm Market (pies) all contributed to make the dinner complete, noted Jacobs.Guilford resident Bob Neary played DJ for the crowd and GHS Voices came to sing with special guest vocalist Santa Claus.

Guilford resident Bob Neary played DJ for the crowd and GHS Voices came to sing with special guest vocalist Santa Claus. After cleaning up, the Rotarians headed to dinner at Fowler's Nursing Center, where they sang carols for residents and reportedly danced with a few, as well.

After cleaning up, the Rotarians headed to dinner at Fowler's Nursing Center, where they sang carols for residents and reportedly danced with a few, as well."We're not very good at either, but the entire day is a lot of fun for the Rotarians. We think the seniors enjoy it, too," said Jacobs.

"We're not very good at either, but the entire day is a lot of fun for the Rotarians. We think the seniors enjoy it, too," said Jacobs.