Tiverton Lions serve almost 200 at 38th annual seniors Christmas dinner

The Tiverton Lions Club served almost 200 people at the 38th annual seniors Christmas dinner held Friday at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre in Tiverton.

Hank Van Moorsel welcomed everyone and noted that a number of the primary students at Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School had drawn posters describing what they believe senior citizens are - what they like to eat and what they like to do. The responses were hilarious.

He also noted that including this, the 38th year, the seniors dinner has served a total of 4,800 people, by cooking 300 turkeys, two tons of potatoes, two tons of turnips, and baking almost 1,000 pies.

"And why do we do this?" asked Van Moorsel. "Because you deserve it. You have helped make this community what it is. We have worked hand-in-hand with many of you and we are proud to call you family. Enjoy the food, entertainment and fellowship tonight."

The volunteer servers then made sure everyone had a heaping plate of food.

Following the meal, Spencer Bristow, 22, of Durham entertained the crowd with his performance as Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson and Johnny Cash. Bristow is in his fourth year of music study at the University of Western Ontario in London.

As Elvis, he had a lot of fun interacting with the audience. And there was one special moment as he sang to Irene Bradley of Tiverton who celebrates her 104th birthday on Dec. 22.