A group of seniors who attended last year’s over-85 celebration, a free luncheon that became an annual tradition eight years ago.
The township will celebrate the lives of its older residents at the over-85 birthday lunch on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Sapphire Grand, formerly Auletto Caterers.
“We started doing this eight years ago,” said Mayor Paul Medany of the free event. “We did this as a way to give back to our older residents, recognize them and to celebrate their lives as a community. It doesn’t even have to be their actual birthday.”
Invitations are mailed out to honorees who are each able to bring along two guests. The lunch will include cake, music and a gift for each honoree.
Anyone 85 and older who did not receive a lunch invitation can email the Parks and Recreation Department at deptfordparksandrec@deptford-nj.org or call (856) 845-0804. An RSVP is required by Friday, Sept. 12.
Deptford council will be in attendance, along with members of the police department and township administration, some of whom will give short speeches. A DJ will provide music and play games with guests.
“In the past, we’ve had World War II vets and even had a person who was 102 years old,” said Medany. “We always try to come up with different ideas to keep things interesting.”
The lunch will take place from noon to 2 p.m. The Sapphire Grand is located at 1849 Cooper St.
“Thanks for a great afternoon,” posted Ginny Ledden on Facebook after a past lunch. “I’m so grateful to be a Deptford Township senior. We are so fortunate to have all of these activities at our disposal.”
