Dec. 21, 2007 — St. John's seniors joined together Friday at their annual Christmas luncheon to honor four St. John and St. Thomas people who make a difference in their lives.
"Because of their service to the community — that's why they shine," said Clarence Scipio, director of St. Ursula's Multi-Purpose Center, where the luncheon took place.
Honored were Barbara Dalmida-Thompson, who works as the office manager in the St. John Administrator's office; Assistant Human Services Commissioner Michal Rhymer-Charles; Isidora Pharoah, manager of Banco Popular's Red Hook branch; and Edith Haynes Lake, administrative assistant in the Episcopal bishop's office.
Except for Dalmida-Thompson, the women honored live on St. Thomas.
Dalmida-Thompson is always interested in what's doing at St. Ursula's Multi-Purpose Center, Scipio said, "And Isidora always assists seniors."
He called Rhymer-Charles a tireless worker.
"I don't know how she gets any rest," Scipio said.
Haynes-Lake arrived late because the ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas, to Cruz Bay, St. John, was full.
"We had to wait," she said.
Keynote speaker Wesley S. Williams Jr., a lawyer who serves on the University of the Virgin Islands' board of trustees, spoke about his long involvement with social service organizations. He said he plans to urge UVI to initiate programs to train social workers.
"The church can't do it all," he said. "We need professionals."
Getting social-service programs on board at UVI would involve assistance from the Legislature and other community leaders, Williams said. He told the nearly 100 seniors and guest gathered for the luncheon that they are the glue that holds society together.
"You are the seniors who made our lives so wonderful," Williams said, adding that, at 65, he is now a senior himself.
He made the trip from St. Thomas to serve as speaker because the very persuasive Scipio asked him.
"He is an indefatigable community worker," Williams said.
The seniors were entertained by a musical group from Charlotte Amalie High School and the St. John vocal group 'N Harmony. They also entertained themselves by singing "Senior Citizens' Theme Song" to the tune of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic":
"If you're 60 years or over and you don't know what to do, just join the senior center and they will welcome you."
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