St. Eustatius Lions Club President Bernadine “Dine” Pandt (right) and other Lions serving lunch to senior citizens.
ST. EUSTATIUS--St. Eustatius Lions Club held its annual senior citizens Christmas luncheon at Mike van Putten Youth Center/Lions’ Den on Sunday afternoon, December 13.
Bernadine “Dine” Pandt, who is in her first year as Lions Club president, said the club had been concerned that it would not be able to hold the event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “but we thank God Almighty that so far everything here in Statia was contained, so we are free to mingle and have some fun.”
Normally more than 200 seniors attend the annual event, but Pandt said that due to COVID-19, some seniors may have stayed home to avoid mingling with others. She estimated that about 150 people were present Sunday.
As customary, those attending the event received gift baskets to take home. The baskets were filled with food items to help the seniors who are struggling due to the pandemic. Appetizers and drinks were served prior to the luncheon and a tasty dessert was served afterwards.
The Lions Club is planning to hold a Christmas Village over three nights. The village is expected to open on Thursday, December 17, and to run through Sunday, December 20. The event was downscaled this year because of the pandemic, but some people have applied to set up booths at the event and more are expected to take part in the Christmas Village.
D’Vybzz and Turbulanzz bands will perform and in Thursday’s kick-off event there will be carollers and other artistes.
Today, Monday, December 14, is Kingdom Day, an official holiday for government workers in St. Eustatius. Christmas activities will kick off at 3:30pm with the Lady of Culture Annual Red and White Christmas Parade, starting at Buzzy Bees Inn and Day-care Centre and ending at the Lions’ Den.
