Proving that ‘Age Is Only A Number’ SCWA members of Six Churches Rocked the Night at Eden Club
Proving that ‘Age Is Only A Number’ Senior Citizens Welfare Association (SCWA) members of Six Churches (Milagres, Bejai, Bendore, Derebail, Angelore and Urwa Rocked the Night at Eden Club, during the SCWA – Milagres Unit Annual Get-Together on Tuesday, 15 January 2019.
Mangaluru: It happens every year, when the seniors belonging to Milagres Church ‘Senior Citizens Welfare Association’ host their Annual Get-Together, and this year was no exception either- and it was a grand and a big one, for the fact it was arranged at one of the City’s Best Club “The Eden Aquatic Club “which provides the people of Mangaluru and their families a unique experience in leisure and recreation, while simultaneously catering to cultural enhancement and social interaction. Good choice made by the organizers this time to host this party at a venue, in a cozy ambience, rather than having it always at the Church Hall. Borrringgg!
As they say “Old is Gold!” and for that matter, Age is Only A Number. We don’t believe age is any more than a mere number. Not with these smooth party “young” ladies and men on the floor. Look at them go! Even in the glorious age of white hair and senior citizen benefits, their inner children are not only alive and well, they’re shaking things up to… literally. They are getting with the groove, boogey-ing, dancing well, singing oldies, and having some fun and frolic. All this and much more talents unleashed by the lovable, cute and enthusiastic young “Seniors” was witnessed by the revelers assembled for this SCWA Bash held at Eden Club on 15 January 2019. With these “Young” revelers comprising of Mamas/Papas, and Grandmas/Grandpas, the venue simply reverberated!
Dad Richard Machado and Son Reuben
As they say that “Ageing is not ‘lost youth’, but a new stage of opportunity and strength”- there is no age limit when you are capable of having some fun and want to party- even senior citizens know how to party hard and have fun and frolic. Imagine 60 plus year old guys who look young at heart, Richard D’souza and Wilfred D’souza rendering the good old Konkani and Hindi songs, mesmerizing the whole audience with their unbelievable performances. Richard D’souza, originally from Milagres Parish, after 30 plus years of service in Abu Dhabi, ha snow settled in Bengaluru. He plays the Accordian and guitar ( which he did at the event), and his whole family are musicians/singers. His family has the Best Church Choir in Bengaluru named “Voices of Harmony”. Richard and wife had especially come down for this function.
Another young man who gave company to Richard was Wilfred D’souza, ( not related to Richard, but were friends in Abu Dhabi) also originally from Milagres parish, who also after 30 plus service in Abu Dhabi has settled in Mumbai. Having interests in singing and dramatics, he also writes articles for Konkani magazines. Few days ago he had also come down for the St Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA) Reunion which was held at Ladies Club, where he and his nephew Dolfred performed a few Konkani dance hits- and now he had made a quick return to Mangaluru from Mumbai, especially to sing at this SCWA get-together. Really a hard-core SCWA fan!
Abu Dhabi Friends (L-R) Richard D’ Souza and Wilfred D’ Souza
Following a prayer by Ms Dora Rodrigues, the welcome address was delivered by Winston D’souza- the president of SCWA-Milagres Unit, where he said that being at the helm of activities etc and as a president, he is the Happiest, Healthiest, Luckiest, and that he feels Better and Better day by day. “East or West, SCWA is the Best” he rejoiced. A dance by the duo, both sisters Renny (Treasurer at SCWA-Milagres) and Dora enthralled the crowd with their hip shaking performances to the tune of Bollywood/Tamil music. This was followed by the skit performed by 30 members of SCWA-Bejai, to the theme ” Laudato Si” introduced by Pope Francis. A well acted skit, which received loud applauds from the audience.
After an alphabet game conducted by Renny, it was a something a unique kind of a performance by a dad and son duo, where Dad Richard Machado on the keyboard and son Reuben on the saxophone, flute and Harmonica, mesmerized the audience with their amazing musical treat. Reuben Machado, whose specialty is playing multiple instruments, regaled the crowds with his rare talent by simultaneously playing the guitar and a harmonica. He followed this up with a flute recital. He had earlier participated in the world cultural festival organized by Art of Living Foundation on the Banks of the River Yamuna in 2016. He also got selected for India’s Got Talent and has appeared on TV. Like dad, like son, indeed!
Now came the hilarious part of the entertainment where three members of SCWA-Milagres namely Winston D’souza as ‘Parish Priest, Wilfred D’souza as Raymond looking for a ‘Miron’ (sacristan) job and Ms Lynette D’souza as Felcy looking for a Church Cook job, acted too good in the skit named “Miron” , a skit well-written by Wilfred D’souza, took the audience into a world of laughter. After a couple of spot games, it was time to earn some money for the guests, where Reena and Dora conducted the Housie Housie game, which brought miles of smiles on the faces of the seniors, anxiously waiting to win some moolah! Thus ended the programme, with vote of thanks proposed by ms Lynette D’souza.
While the hungry bunch of audience rushed to the food counter to satisfy their craving for food, but quite a few including a couple of grandmas and Grandpas stepped up on the dance floor, lifting their legs and shaking their hips to Baila dance hits, rendered by the music group. With all these vintage folks unleashing their hidden talents even at the “golden Ripe Age” made everyone feel that even older folks have the capacity to rock the world with their talents in their vintage years. “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” had said George Bernard Shaw. These “Young” bunch have proved to be exceptionally talented, having some fun and laughing throughout the programme- Truly “Vintage Revellers” !
Ending this column with few thought-provoking words of wisdom on “old age’ –
“The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young. The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity. Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth. The old are in a second childhood. When we’re young we have faith in what is seen, but when we’re old we know that what is seen is traced in air and built on water. No one wishes to grow old, to outlive their illusions. The young are beautiful – but the old are more beautiful than the young. To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent–that is to triumph over old age. Looking at you all at the function, I don’t think you all looked old, but looked young, energetic and cheerful.
Hats off to the organizers for bringing a change in the 2019 SCWA Annual Get-Together through their ideas and planning, which was applauded by the audience. “Seniors Favourite”, like I have always been, Yours Truly of Team Mangalorean (Mangalorean.com) will always support you seniors in your programmes and other activities! And for being good to you all, my small request, please keep me in your prayers & Novenas. Say an extra, Our Father and a Hail Mary for my Health and Wealth?? Thank You.