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St. Anthonys students perform for seniors Christmas luncheon
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Sister Ann Venita Britto recognizes those celebrating December birthdays at her Christmas luncheon of seniors. - photo by VINCE REMBULAT

Entertainment was at a premium at Thursday’s annual Christmas luncheon for seniors hosted by Sister Ann Venita Britto and her Ministry of Caring.

“The whole school came in today to perform,” said Sister Ann, referring to the various classes at St. Anthony’s School.

Included were the kindergarteners dressed as sheep, lambs and donkeys.

The school choir performed several songs.

The tap dancing class of the City of Manteca’s Parks and Recreation Department – the group is under the direction of Recreation Supervisor Brandy Clark, meeting every Thursday at the Manteca Senior Center since 2008 – did several numbers at the event held at St. Anthony Parish gymnasium.

“We’ve done a few recitals,” said Clark, who teaches tap dancing lessons for free to folks age 50 and older. “We’ve also performed at the Chamber of Commerce coffer mixers.”

Mary Buckman was among those performing. “She’s danced her whole life,” Clark said.

Roberta Muellar has been there since the inception of the tap dancing lessons.

Other performers included Merry Hendley, Jene Stainer, Claudia Machado, and Anna Bourbeau.

Live music will be provided by the JRP Band.

Those in attendance came from the likes of St. Jude Care Center, Prestige, Almond Blossom, The Commons, and Merrill Gardens, to name a few.

The Christmas-decorated center pieces were made possible by Sister Ann and her group. She also recognized folks celebrating December birthdays, including Father Patrick Walker.

The pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church not only provided the lunch blessing, but was among those having a birthday for this month.