Where can seniors attend a Christmas party in their honor and enjoy a delicious meal served by local law enforcement?
Give up?
In Mandeville at the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon, a community outreach of the St. Tammany Sheriff Deputy’s Association.
Bright and early on Dec. 15, Sheriff Randy Smith and his posse were out in force, shuttling honorees in golf carts to the door of the Castine Center in Pelican Park. Once inside, guests were greeted by deputies moonlighting as elves and other holiday characters.
Frosty, the Grinch, the Nutcracker, Santa and Mrs. Claus were all spotted fraternizing with attendees and may even have been seen line dancing to the upbeat tunes provided by DJ Rockin’ Ron, a favorite at these functions.
This is the 35th year that local parish law enforcement has saluted the seniors of St. Tammany by hosting this extravaganza. For the early birds, muffins were available and deputies were posted at the coffee urns. The mood was festive. and the party percolated.
Billy and Mary Martin were informed of the party and meal by their daughter-in-law, the sheriff’s secretary. Martin enjoyed getting out of the house and seeing people, and his wife found to be “a really nice little break.”
Det. Winston Harbin has been with the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office for five years and has had the Santa gig since for this soiree ever since. “When I first volunteered to do this, I started letting my beard grow a little longer every year, and here we are!”
This is Kathleen Mollnere’s first year back for the sheriff’s party since her husband became ill. “I used to come every year,” she said, “and I’d forgotten how nice it is.”
Jamie Dakin and son Beau came to help: “I called Sheriff Smith and said we wanted to offer community service, and he suggested coming here. So far, it’s been a lot of fun!”
Frances Casborn was enjoying her third Christmas Luncheon, while Ada Davis was present this year for her fifth. “I have fun every time. Even in the cold,” she added. Giselle Thomas came back for a second time, because “I liked it so much before, I braved the cold this year.”
As Sheriff Randy Smith rounded the tables, he paused to comment on the 35th luncheon celebration. “It gives me great pleasure to be part of this event that honors some of the most important members of our community. Many of them have been the backbone of this parish over the years.”
After the presentation of the colors and the sheriff’s welcoming remarks, deputies appeared with trays of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, a roll, and bread pudding for dessert. Revelers headed to their tables to enjoy lunch with new and old friends.
“This is how we give back every year to the members of our parish who have so enriched the community,” declared Suzanne Carboni, public information officer for the sheriff and his office.
Dining and Cooking