DANVILLE — Fifty senior citizens gathered at the Saint Luke Community Center Thursday for food, fun, friendship and patriotism.
The Danville Area Senior Citizens Chapter, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in May, holds bi-monthly gatherings on the third Thursday of the month to promote friendship and socializing among the senior citizen community.
Each gathering is supplemented by entertainment and a three-course meal.
“We come for the food and the company, and to be with people on this side of the county,” said Ruth Dunlevy.
Thursday’s luncheon featured a patriotic theme in honor of the Fourth of July. The program included patriotic decorations donated by Mike and Regina Quinn, as well as musical entertainment by Celeste Friedman, titled “Duty, Honor and Country.”
Friedman’s performance incorporated pieces by George M. Cohan, who wrote the popular patriotic song” The Yankee Doodle Boy,” as well as the theme song for each section of the armed forces.
Attendees sang along as nine attending veterans from different branches of the service stood to be honored.
The event is free, although a donation is suggested at the door to offset the cost of the food and entertainment.
Meals are provided by volunteers from different churches in the area, including: Brinkhaven Church of Christ, Danville Church of Christ, Danville Methodist Church, Grace Brethren Church, Greer Wesleyan Church, Howard Methodist Church, Jelloway Methodist Church, Millwood Presbyterian Church, North Bend Church of The Brethren, Saint Luke’s Catholic Church and Wesley Chapel Church.
The chapter was established in 1970 by ladies from various churches in the community who felt that senior citizens had little organized social activity. Frances Hawk spearheaded the group’s development.
Three of the original members, Twila Arnold, Polly Gardener and Helen Thorp, continue the tradition with their attendance.
The Chapter is open to all residents of eastern Knox County, including Amity, Apple Valley, Brinkhaven, Danville, Greer, Howard, Jelloway, Millwood and the surrounding area.
Lunch begins at noon, followed by an educational program.
For more information on The Danville Area Senior Citizen Chapter, contact Barb Mickley at 599-7102.
