Dozens of local seniors arrived at the Escalon United Methodist Church on Friday evening, Dec. 7 to enjoy sharing a bit of the holiday spirit.

The Escalon Sunrise Rotary Club, in cooperation with Escalon United Methodist Church and the Seventh day Adventist Church, hosted the night of Christmas cheer.

Treated to a lasagna dinner, with salad, beverages and plenty of cookie varieties served up for dessert, the local seniors came from some local senior citizen complexes, care homes and many from their own homes in the community. Organizers said the idea is simple; sharing the bounty of the holiday season with older members of the community.

Music to eat dinner by was provided by Gary Romano and the Rotary Club members and other volunteers then took up their songbooks and led the crowd in several holiday-themed songs. From Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree to Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman to Silver Bells. The familiar songs had all in attendance singing along. Providing some accompaniment was Michael Boyle, who brought his own sleigh bells along with him.

“He wears them all the time,” noted his wife, Marilyn.

“I never leave home without them,” Michael agreed.

Each person in attendance was also presented with an Escalon Sunrise Rotary bag that featured some toiletries, a 2019 calendar, some candy and other treats. There were also drawings for a variety of prizes.

Rotarian Dave Mantooth said the raffle prizes were donated by the Escalon United Methodist Church, including some handcrafted items left from their bazaar hosted earlier in the fall.

Mary Panero handled the decorations while John and Claudia Weeks made up the food committee. Other donations and support came from Cromwell & Ney Insurance Agency, Escalon Small Animal Clinic, and Ray Caparros. Duane Lovett served as emcee for the evening.