IACRF Senior group had the second gala celebration of the year 2011. The event was a celebration of Christmas and New Year holidays. The first celebration of the year was Diwali. The theme of the program was enjoying Friendship and Harmony with each other while living each day full of life. The program consisted of welcome refreshments, musical entertainments by local artists and a lavish lunch.
The entire event was organized by Meena Bhavsar. Suresha Shah and her committee decorated the hall beautifully in Christmas green, red and white colors while the twinkling lights added warmth to the scene. The beautiful banner of MERRY CHRISTMAS was painted in color and presented to the senior group with love by Kira and Riya – grand children of Jayaben and Bhagubhai Patel – and their friends Naya and Ninu.
We started our day with having piping hot Masala Chai, Sav, Khaman, Methi Gota and Chutney. As people were arriving in the hall one can hear the buzz of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Our concert program started with Bhagubhai welcoming the participants and giving an over view of the mission of the IACRF. Meenaben introduced all the artists: Frank Jarasim, Kumudben Desai, Harshadbhai Desai, Gokulji, Shreekantbhai Vaid, Umesh Shah, Kapila Patel and herself. Frank Jarasim has performed in various parts of India as well as in USA. We were very glad to have him perform for us. The floor was first given to the only special-invitee youngster Frank Jarasim for a few warm-up songs to set the stage for a musical extravaganza by the seniors. Yes, their hands shaking while holding the mike, but their spirit remained undaunted, rendering some Pankaj Mullick and K.L Sehgal numbers – a fitting reminder that it is Seniors day out and their favorite numbers will reverberate the hall. At no time did any singer fail to synchronize with Karaoke. Hearing such songs as Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek Rang Hai; Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se, and Baar Baar Dekho Hazar Bar Dekho, one wondered if this gathering was to pay tributes to the two recently departed legendaries – Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor. Ramaben Patel – a senior lady – regaled the audience with jokes at the end of each song. Unfortunately Ramaben couldn’t continue for long because she had just recovered from an asthmatic attack and did not want to subject herself to a relapse. See the spirit again. The audience enjoyed the few that she shared. During the concert the whole environment was full of happiness and joy. People from the audience were cheering, singing, and dancing.
We had a great surprise from our young audience. Grand children of Sheelaben & Jagdishbhai Trivedi and Rajni & Munnu Bajpai sang Christmas songs such as Santa Claus is coming to town, Silent night and so on.
We had special guest President of IACRF Mr. Mahesh Shah, who was delighted to see so many seniors enjoying the celebration. He reaffirmed IACRf’s commitment to “Enhance the Life Style of the Senior Citizens” of Indo-American community in metro Phoenix. IACRF had launched the Senior Program more than 11 years ago and has steadfastly supported it by making available facility, marketing and any other needed resources. IACRF board of directors is keenly interested in the quality of this program and is desirous to see that the Senior program provides necessary and innovative activities for the upper age population of the community.
The breakfast and lunch was sponsored by Raman and Meena Bhavsar. Lunch consisted of Shira, Puri, Two bean shaks, Rice, Dal, fried Papad, Salad and for desert Mango pulp and papaya. Total participants were about 75. New arrivals and other guests were Bina and Manjula Mistry, Dr. Bhakati Patel, Meera & Mohan Kalghatgi, V.V. & Lalitah Sundaram, and Rani & Raj Kapur. The program will not be feasible without superb help from volunteers – Jayaben Patel, Shantaben Patel, Rashikbhai Patel, Hamelataben Gogri, Ramaben Patel, Meera Kalghatgi, Lalitah Sundaram, Lataben, Vijyaben Katriya, our own photographers Saventibhai Shah and Lalitbhai Patel.
Written by Bhagubhai, V. Sundaram and Meenaben.
