Lucia and Anthony Steger not only enjoyed the SAT luncheon but also the attentions of therapy dog George, owned by Bill and Marie Waterman.
On Dec. 11, Seniors Around Town (SAT) held their annual holiday luncheon at the Orinda Library’s Garden Room. A program of The Orinda Association, SAT provides free rides to Orinda residents utilizing volunteer drivers from the community. Both drivers and riders as well as Orinda Association board members enjoyed the event which began with welcoming words from emcee Steve Harwood. While enjoying lavish sandwiches and sweet treats, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the program and how it has grown in recent years – in 2018, the program’s staff coordinated over 1,200 rides for Orinda’s seniors.
SAT staff member Pamela Manning handed out “Chrismas crackers” with help from the Mindful Littles. The cardboard tubes were wrapped in festive paper to look like large candies and are a popular tradition in the UK where Manning grew up. She instructed guests on how to work together to pull them open and make them pop, revealing a prize and paper crown. With the guests now properly adorned, Harwood led a sing-along of old favorites like “Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue” and “Ain’t She Sweet.”
As the event came to a close, SAT riders and drivers were able to rest their voices and enjoy a holiday concert by the Miramonte Choir. The vocal group impressed the crowd with acapella versions of holiday classics, including “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” and a delightful rendition of “The Grinch” featuring Miramonte student Aaron Collins that was memorably faithful to the original. A merry time was had by all!
Riders in the SAT program enjoyed the annual luncheon.
Riders and drivers have fun together at the luncheon.
Rider Eartha Newsong and SAT staff member Pamela Manning.
A young member of Mindful Littles serves a rider at the festive event.
A highlight of the luncheon was a performance by the Miramonte Choir.
SAT staff member Cathy Goshorn talks with one of the Mindful Little volunteers.
