ARLINGTON – Arlington Rotary Club members shared the spirit of giving with more than 150 senior citizens, family members and caretakers during the annual Christmas Lunch at Stillaguamish Senior Center.

Longtime Rotarian David Duskin said the club has been hosting the annual event for 15 years. The club paid for all the food, door prizes and table settings, and escorted Santa Claus to the center for an appearance and gift giving, while center staff did the cooking. Live holiday music also added to the festive atmosphere.

Club members served their guests at tables filling the main room at the center. The traditional holiday lunch featured ham, potatoes, salad, rolls and dessert.

Center executive director Jo Olson said this is one of the center’s most wonderful holiday activities, and they are grateful to Rotary.

“Senior center members just love Arlington Rotary,” Olson said. “They really appreciate all the effort they go to.”

Duskin pointed out that the event is only one part of a long ongoing community partnership between the Rotary Club and senior center, with roots that go well back into the 70s when the facility was originally built.

Seniors who attended enjoyed the luncheon.

“The people here are always so friendly,” said Elsie Leduc, who moved from Yakima in 1976 to a five-acre property in Bryant. She enjoys the fellowship at the senior center, visits often, and attends the annual holiday luncheon whenever she can.

This was Beverly Wilkinson of Arlington’s first time attending the Christmas luncheon.

“It was a very good time, and really fun,” she said. “I’ll be back.”

Olson used the special occasion to announce that she is retiring as executive director at the center. She also introduced her successor, Danette Klemens, former director at Northshore Senior Center in Bothell for four years.

Klemens, who also worked at Senior Services of Snohomish County and directed Meals on Wheels in Orlando, Fla. for 21 years, said she is thrilled to get started at the Stilly Center.

“Northshore is a fabulous place, but I live in Marysville,” she said, adding that she won’t miss the commute south.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you,” Klemens said.