In the past six years, Jean Alexander has made it to nearly all of the senior citizen luncheons hosted by Sister Ann Venita Britto and her Ministry and Caring.
On Monday, she was among the 312 in attendance at the special holiday function held in the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church gymnasium.
Asked if this one was perhaps bigger than the previous luncheons?
“They’re all big,” said Alexander, a resident of the Almond Blossom mobile home facilities.
Many came from Stockton, Tracy, Ripon, Linden, Lathrop and Manteca, enjoying a free hearty meal while being among friends and joining together in both song and dance.
In fact, Sister Ann had the group blow bubbles while she and the Jubilee Singers led the way in the performance of “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.
Santa Claus dressed in an Hawaiian shirt was among the special guests.
The event also included the 5 p.m. church choir led by Emily Diaz singing Christmas carols. This included the audience participation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Each section from the throughout the gymnasium took part in the song.
Dee Sciarroni, for example, held up a cue card — “12 Drummers Drumming” — for those seated close to her in the gym.
Like Alexander, she, too, is a luncheon regular.
Those in attendance also received gifts and had a chance to win the table setting and other prizes.