130 senior citizens attend meal
Aylesford and District Lions host 33rd annual free Christmas dinner for seniors
The Aylesford and District Lions recently helped ensure that seniors in the community had a free turkey dinner.
They hosted the traditional free Christmas dinner for community members over age 65 at the Aylesford and District Lions Hall the evening of Dec. 5. Lion Paul Spicer chaired the event.
King Lion Fred Huntley said members gathered menu items and decorations for a couple weeks leading into the dinner. They spent Dec. 3 roasting six turkeys. On Dec. 4 and 5, they prepared the vegetables with help from the West Kings football team, parents and Lion’s family members.
“This is our 33rd year providing this program, and a lot of older people come not only for the dinner but for the fellowship and meeting old friends,” Huntley said.
They served dinner with tea or coffee to 130 seniors who attended the dinner at the hall while takeout dinners were delivered to seniors unable to make the trip. The meal consisted of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, turnip, squash and dressing - with a cup of ice cream with fruit punch and a wafer biscuit for dessert.
Rule 62, a Hants County group, provided musical entertainment. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus put in an appearance, mingling with the crowd and handing out candy canes and hugs.
Huntley said they are grateful to the Scouts group for cleaning up, washing the dishes and putting them away.
The Lions distributed Christmas hampers to families in need on Dec. 22, which is also a day of fellowship at the hall for Lions members.
The Aylesford and District Lions hosted a New Year’s Eve dance at the hall, located at 2160 Highway 1 in Auburn. Music was provided by D.J. Will.
The dance featured a midnight countdown, party hats and favours, prizes, a midnight lunch buffet and licenced bar.