Hundreds of seniors gather for holiday fellowship in Fajardo

For more than four hours at the Multi-Purpose Center in Fajardo, some 250 senior men and women participated in many activities, including traditional bingo and dominoes, as well as dancing and craftwork.

By THE STAR STAFF

Hundreds of senior citizens packed the Multi-Purpose Center in Fajardo earlier this week to participate in “Golden Christmas,” a unique event of music, games and art designed to provide them with a space for joy and fellowship during the Christmas season.

“We wanted to do something different to impact all sectors of our legislative district, so we developed this event [...] that gives us the opportunity to share with hundreds of senior citizens in an atmosphere of joy and Christmas celebration,” said Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, the driving force behind the initiative. “Activities like this foster the interaction and fellowship that these people need at this time.”

The District 36 (Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Vieques and Culebra) lawmaker noted that “Puerto Rico’s demographic reality shows an increase in the number of senior citizens, which, according to data from the United States Census (circa 2022), exceeds 800,000.”

“Given this reality, identifying alternatives to provide them with recreation and joy is imperative, hence the importance of this activity,” the House speaker said.

For more than four hours on Wednesday, some 250 senior men and women participated in many activities, including traditional bingo and dominoes, as well as dancing and craftwork. The band from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation entertained those present, and prizes such as toasters were distributed to participants in the different activities.

In addition, gift cards for groceries at Econo supermarkets were given to all the seniors in attendance. Fajardo Mayor José Anibal “Joey” Menéndez, and Ombudsman for the Elderly Dr. Yolanda Varela spent time with the seniors during the gathering.