8th Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Program was a gala affair

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Over 900 senior citizens were the special guests at the of Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) 8th Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Program this past Thursday, Dec. 9, hosted by Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga. And as the participants awaited the arrival of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the DYWA Sports facility in Tafunawas filled with a festive atmosphere as the seniors danced and enjoyed the music.

"This occasion is always a special one when we get to spend time with all of you, our most treasured gifts to society," stated Governor Lemanu when explaining how important the Annual TAOA program is to the Lemanu-Talauega Administration. He continued, "You all are the treasures of our society. You are the link to the past, present, and future. You have seen the pace of progress throughout decades, and you possess knowledge and history that is invaluable. You are senior members of the family who know better about the FaaSamoa, genealogy, religion, family history, values, and related customary practices. Every day your families have a chance to celebrate your lives. Today, the Lieutenant Governor and I, along with the cabinet, get to celebrate you and also to celebrate the birth of Christ."

"The Lieutenant Governor and I are also responsible for the care of our elders in our own immediate families. We recognize and appreciate all your family members and caretakers that help take care of you daily," remarked Governor Lemanu. 

Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale shakes hands with senior citizens during this year’s Christmas program celebration kicked off at the DYWA center in Tafuna. [photo by AT]

He continued with one last request, "Before I sit down, I do want to remind and ask every one of you to get your COVID-19 vaccination shots. If you do not get vaccinated, then your children, grandchildren, and families will not get vaccinated."

TAOA's other highlighted services this year include:

• transferring congregate meal centers from halls to restaurant-based settings,
• improving transportation services for disabled seniors, and
• creating certified caregiver courses for home caregivers.

TAOA's annual event is the most anticipated throughout the year. The Governor and Cabinet members serve food and provide gift baskets to each senior citizen present at the event. A total of more than 1,100 gift baskets were prepared for the event by all departments, offices, and agencies of the Executive branch.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti  Mauga serving lunch during the senior citizens Christmas celebration at the Department of Youth & Women (DYWA) gym in Tafuna this past Thursday morning. [photo by AT]

Entertainment was by the Silver Brothers Band, Tafuna High School Band students, and the Department of Human and Social Services.

LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL DINNER

Prior to the Senior Ciizens event — on Wed. Dec. 8, Gov. Lemanu hosted a Christmas dinner at the Mauga o Alii Governor's residence, and invited all members of the Legislature and Judicial branches.  Colorful Christmas lights and decorations dressed the house in the holiday spirit. 

Upon arrival, all guests were received and enjoyed a small tour of the new renovations to the main house.  Following the tour, the guests joined the  Gov and Lt Gov at the Mauga o Alii Fale Samoa for dinner and enjoyed entertainment by local musician Ulale Pusi.

The governor extended his gratitude and appreciation to all the leaders. 

"I wanted to extend to each of you a sincere thank you and wish you a happy holiday season on behalf of myself and the Honorable Lieutenant Governor and the Executive Branch.  So far, this has been a very successful first year in office," stated Governor Lemanu, "and our achievements this year would not be possible without the partnership between this Administration and all of you." He continued, "Secondly, hosting this dinner here at the Governor's Residence is a proud moment for me personally because of the renovations that we have been able to make.  The restoration of the house itself, improving the foundation, and adding to the surrounding infrastructure have reinforced the safety and unique living conditions that its residents can only enjoy.  I would also like to recognize all of those who worked hard in getting this project near completion.

 "Not only is this a chance to witness the work that has been done here, but we are grateful to be able to spend this evening with you as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.  On behalf of the Honorable Talauega, we look ahead to a new year with hope and optimism.  We have much work ahead of us.  We are looking forward to a year of service and looking forward to building a more prosperous American Samoa.  Let us pray for the Territory and remember our sons and daughters who are currently serving in active duty service this holiday season."

Gov Lemanu mentioned that his family and the Lt Gov's family are merely servants that have the responsibility to take care of these properties not only for the current Administration but also for future Governors to come.  It is a time-honored tradition for each Governor to upkeep the conditions of the two residences.

"I appreciate your foresight in approving the budget that included these renovations," Governor Lemanu remarked, "but we are not done yet.  There are still other smaller projects that we have left here at the Governor's Residence and the Lieutenant Governor's Residence, but the majority of work is complete."

Another highlight of the evening was the absence of alcohol and smoking.  The Governor and Lieutenant Governor wish to impose this condition at all ASG functions and on all ASG properties.  "As you can see, there is no alcohol or smoking this evening, and this is because the Lieutenant Governor and I believe that we as leaders need to set the example.  We are law-abiding citizens and leaders who cherish our children and the future generations of the Territory.  They need to see their leaders promoting a healthy lifestyle."

The master of ceremonies was HTC Malemo Tausaga, and the Reverend Dr. Mageo Patolo Mageo conducted the invocation and benediction.

(Source: ASG press releases)