Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
This elderly lady shows off her nifty version of the 'Shelly Belly' dance during the St. Catherine Poor Relief department's annual Christmas treat for the indigent and shut-ins. The treat was held in the middle of the town square last Friday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
MORE THAN 600 elderly persons and shut-ins were fêted at the third annual St. Catherine Poor Relief Christmas dinner in Spanish Town earlier this week.
The Gleaner went to the Constitution Square to find the seniors in a festive mood. They were duly entertained by a mento band, and were served fine cuisine by the staff of the Poor Relief Department in the St. Catherine Parish Council.
According to manager of the department, Vera Roofe, the department looked forward to treating the elders, some of whom were residents at the nearby Spanish Town Infirmary, and others who were shut-ins.
Mrs. Roofe praised corporate Jamaica for its assistance in providing some of the items such as ham, bacon, cake and other novelties that the department itself could not have adequately supplied.
"We are very glad that persons are still having faith in the spirit of Christmas, and I'm certain that the lives of many of these persons are being touched in a very special way," she said.
Some of the persons commented that "it was a well spent evening of dancing and frolicking."
