Christmas Cheer at Senior Luncheon

It’s that time of the year when the Lunch with Friends seniors celebrate the holidays at the Marco Lutheran Church. This year, over 170 seniors attended lunch in their festive greens, reds, and golds with lots of glitter. On Marco, this holiday gathering is one of life’s little pleasures to spread Christmas cheer to everyone at the luncheon. 

The hall was decorated with two large Christmas trees, and the tables were set up with beautiful holiday centerpieces. Many thanks to the sponsors, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Marco Lutheran Church, and the YMCA. The delicious lunch was prepared by The Speakeasy and volunteers from the San Marco Council of Catholic Women, who brought cookies and served the delicious lunch. 

The musical review was performed by Joe Byrne (son of our very own Fire Chief). Joe is a singer, actor, and theater creative native to Southwest Florida. He has long been performing on stage since he was nine years old and earned a degree in musical theatre from Columbia College, Chicago. He said he could remember performing on this very stage as a teenager. Joe has served in almost every role in theatre production, including performer, director, stage manager, producer, choreographer, and lighting technician, and most of you recognize Joe at the Arts Center Theater Box Office as the Creative/Box Office consultant. And yes, it was a real treat to hear Joe’s special performance for the senior luncheon.  

Santa made a special visit and reminded the seniors that he’s keeping track on who’s been naughty or nice! And yes, it looks like everyone still buys into that old magic message that Santa is taking notes, “So you better be good for goodness sake!” Former Fire Chief Mike Murphy made Santa very proud! 

Everyone loves cookies! And it was all smiles around the table as seniors got into holiday mode decorating their own holiday cookies. The Christmas spirit is all about the joy of gift giving, with wrapped presents under the tree. It looked like the special elves were busy making sure that each senior attendee left with something special from Santa’s workshop.