Senior citizens from both sides of the island gathered in the Senior Citizens Recreational Center in Hope Estate to celebrate International Day of Older Persons on October 1.
HOPE ESTATE--Senior citizens from both sides of the island gathered in the Senior Citizens Recreational Center in Hope Estate to celebrate International Day of Older Persons on October 1. This large, combined gathering was the biggest since the pandemic waged and seniors were happy to be able to mingle and enjoy a meal together just like old times.
The lunch was organized by St. Maarten Senior Citizens Recreational Foundation and Meals on Wheels Home Care Foundation. Invited to join in from the French side of the island were seniors from Bethany Home in Marigot. The home’s directors accompanied the group.
The celebration was also a special moment as it was attended by the only living co-founder of the seniors’ recreation foundation – Muriel Arrindell.
Some volunteers manning the buffet station.
In all, a total of 89 seniors and 15 volunteers enjoyed the activities and dishes together with some additional guests including outgoing Governor Eugene Holiday and his wife Marie-Louise and Finance Minister Ardwell Irion.
Outgoing Governor Eugene Holiday and his wife Marie-Louise flank Muriel Arrindell, only living co-founder of St. Maarten Senior Citizens Recreational Foundation.
Marva Hanson of seniors’ recreation foundation said it was pure happiness in the recreational centre when the seniors gathered together. The seniors laughed and chatted, swapped stories and were delighted to not only be together, but to thank the Governor for his service to the country, said Hanson. Holiday’s second term as governor ended this week.
As for the seniors from the French side, Hanson said: “We were so happy to host them and they were so happy to be able to join in the celebration.”
The event was opened with the St. Maarten Song played on the saxophone by well-known island creative Connis Vanterpool.
Prizes were also up for grabs at the lunch with the grand prize of two Winair tickets won by attendee Ms. Chandini.
