On the final afternoon of December 31, the Rochester Council On Aging held its annual New Year’s Eve luncheon and celebration. Director Sharon Lally spooned up heaping piles of Chinese food as the buffet line wound around the central conference room and corridor. By her side helping to serve the partygoers was Program Assistant Edna Holstrom.
Many of the ladies in the crowd wore sparkling paper tiaras announcing Happy New Year or depicting colorful fireworks. The mood was jubilant while in the background providing musical accompaniment for the merrymakers was Rick LeBlanc on the keyboard.
Clearly, the assembled had enjoyed an unspoken number of New Year’s Eve celebrations in their lifetimes, and experience in how to enjoy life was evident as they hugged their neighbor with good wishes for 2019 and commented on how delicious the food tasted.
When considering hopes and plans for the coming year, most were predominantly eager to have good health because as many said, “Without your health, you ain’t got nothing,” while others expressed a desire for more.
“I’m going to start thinking of myself first,” said Betty, one of the revelers, saying it was about time for her to do just that.
Diane thought for a moment then said quietly, “I hope God blesses me.”
Lorraine’s plans included “helping those who are less fortunate then me.”
Donna, who had traveled from New Bedford with her 94-year-old mother Betty (a different Betty), talked about the challenges the two had faced in 2018 and planned on doing all she could to make 2019 better.
And as for Betty, Donna’s mother, what did she want from 2019?
“Please I just want peace on Earth – please!”
Happy New Year!
By Marilou Newell