The Ascension Church Hall in Ipswich was once again blooming this week with colorful tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and lots of smiling faces. The event was the annual Senior Lunch, Rotary’s gift to its senior citizens. The event is co-sponsored by the Ipswich Council on Aging.
A dozen students from Ipswich High School Interact, including our sponsored Rotary Exchange Student Joao Alfonso, were on hand to cheerfully engage and serve our guests.
Music was provided by The Journeymen, a local band who regaled the diners with fun and nostalgic tunes from a variety of eras. Following lunch, the celebration continued with students and seniors dancing to tunes such as ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Henry's Catering served up their yummy chicken pot pie, which was so popular it sold out! Filling out the menu was a well-prepared garden salad, green beans, and assorted beverages. To cap off this wonderful feast, Interact served a delicious chocolate and vanilla cake.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary President Tom Murphy kicked things off by welcoming about 120 senior citizens. He was joined by Melinda Vining, Ipswich Director of Senior Services, who assisted the seniors and helped us plan the event.
Our team of enthusiastic Rotarians led by co-chairs Martha Mauser and Ann Witzig set up the hall with flowers, donated by Gordon’s Greenhouse, and plated the luncheon offerings. And once our happy and well-fed seniors were on their way, the Rotarians got back to work cleaning up the Hall.
In addition to Henry’s Catering and Gordon Greenhouses, the club is deeply grateful to Ascension Memorial Church for the use of their lovely facility. This event is one of the highlights of the year for the Rotarians and Interactors. And I want to thank Keith Harris, Gina Healy, Brian Nelson, and Deb Wright whose notes and photos made this report possible.