It was a full house for the Thanksgiving lunch in the Lycée/Collège restaurant on Thursday. (Robert Luckock photo).
The elderly took to the dance floor. (Robert Luckock photo)
MARIGOT–Close to 400 seniors and their families from the French and Dutch sides, and invited guests, enjoyed the traditional Thanksgiving lunch organised by Foundation for Hope and Music Development and Foundation SXM Horizon at the Lycée restaurant on Thursday.
Several Territorial Councillors and prominent persons from associations were spotted enjoying the lunch with the elderly. Among those present were First Vice-President Valérie Damaseau, Fourth Vice-President Steven Patrick, former President of the Collectivité Frantz Gumbs, Coralita Association President Rose Nicolas, and Soroptimists Club in St. Martin founder Amique Bryan.
St. James resident Dorcille Barry, who will be celebrating her 101st birthday on January 15, 2019, was also present.
The restaurant was decorated with balloons for the occasion and there was no shortage of live musical entertainment. Dutty Sham was the emcee for the lunch, introducing DJ Roubi, DJ Vybe, singer Addy Richardson, the Boulogne Band from French Quarter and gospel singer Rita Richardson. The blessing was given by Pastor Hilton.
Lycée students who helped serve the lunch also put on a show for the guests and were seen dancing with the elderly.
“We catered for 430 but still managed to run out of some of the food,” said organiser Paul Whit. “The turnout was very good this year. We had to bring in an extra five or six tables. Last year was the first Thanksgiving after [Hurricane – Ed.] Irma, but this year I could see in the faces of the elderly that we have thrown Irma behind us and they are starting to enjoy themselves. You can see how happy they are. My thoughts go out also to the elderly we lost during the hurricanes.
“I want to say thank you to Cédric Dormoy, who was in charge of the Lycée/Collège refectory, and his staff, and to Clement van Heyningen for the food. And a big ‘thank you’ to the 29 catering students of the Lycée. Those young students were amazing in how they treated the elderly. They not only worked hard but also cleaned up afterwards. Our association will be treating them to a local breakfast. Seeing how well they worked gives me hope for the future.
“I also want to thank the Collectivité for its support and the support of the elected officials.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/83025-many-seniors-enjoy-festive-thanksgiving-lunch-at-lycee
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