Each year, the Chantry Island Cham-bettes, host an Octogenarian lunch at the Chantry Centre in Southampton to honour those who are 80 years old and beyond.
This year, saw almost 80 residents attend, with many well into their 80s, 90s and one who is 102. Several seniors from Hampton Court Retirement Living also attended. Mary Stokes, Director, said that “… residents really enjoy getting out to events like this.”
The Cham-bettes are a local group of philanthropic women who fundraise throughout the year raising money that goes back into the community. From plant and garage sales to their famous Christmas Tour of Homes, the Group has continued to raise funds for 70 years. On Wednesday, May 13th however, they prepared and served the annual lunch at no cost to those seniors who attended.
Guest speaker, Mayor Luke Charbonneau, gave kudos to the Chantry Centre Volunteers and President Connie Barker. “I wouldn’t have missed this. This is a fabulous institution and we have so many fantastic people in our community, such as the Cham-bettes, who do small things and great things to make our community a better place. You folks who are 80, 90 and 100 have been giving back for a very long time. That’s why we have events like this to celebrate you who have lived lifetimes building this community into what is today – the best place to live in the world. People like me have a lot to learn from people like you and it’s important for us to celebrate you. I am proud to be here and on behalf of the whole community, thank you for all you have given over the years.”
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Following lunch, many tickets were drawn for floral arrangements found on the tables and Mayor Charbonneau presented special pins to those in their 90s and one to Inger Gottscheu who is 102.
