NJ Seniors Celebrate the Dawning of Their New Age

The Golden Age Club of the Clifton Family Church, a community of Unificationists over 60 years old, welcomed five new members Sunday night at its Annual Golden Age Dinner. The club began nine years ago as the brainchild of Eriko Endo and supporting members. Today, its annual dinner is an eagerly anticipated event.

“Each year, I look forward to this evening,” remarked Senior Kerry Pobanz, who attended the festivities with his wife Carol. “It’s a chance to catch up with old friends in the community who may live a little further away and whom we don’t get to see very often.”

The Clifton Church Fellowship Hall was decorated for the event by participants of the Filipino Community. Flowers were arranged by Mrs. Kyoko Jewell and catering was provided by Sakurabana Restaurant. During the dinner and throughout the evening, young Unificationist volunteers served their elders, offering thanks for all that the Golden Age Members have done for the community and the Unification movement.  

The motto of the Golden Age Club is “Celebrating the Dawning of our New Age.” In line with this motto, Mrs. Maria Ang offered a toast giving gratitude for the memories made together over the years, along with a wish for many new memories to come. Each year, an older member is asked to offer a personal testimony. This year, Mr. Michio Sato shared his testimony of joining the Unification movement. During his talk, Mr. Sato offered gratitude to God for the three generations of his family that have received the Holy Wine Blessing.  At the end of the night, he and his wife were presented with a gift certificate for a weekend stay at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel.

The Satos were not the only couple to finish the evening with a gift. Two lucky Bingo winners and several raffle winners brought home prizes, including ginseng tea, gift cards to Sakura Bana and Shop Rite, and a beautiful flower centerpiece. One senior even brought home a coveted Coach bag.

Entertainment was again provided by church associate and Broadway professional Mr. Albert Insinnia, who offered four songs, including a moving tribute to Mr. Joe Coyne and Rev. Hitoshi Onishi, two seniors who ascended earlier this year. Next, Mr. Ryan Abenier directed a martial arts demonstration along with his eldest representative, Jeremiah Tobin (who is almost 80 years old) and one of his youngest members, Kenji Onishi. Rounding off the entertainment were the Golden Age singers and dancers, presenting Every Praise.  The Golden Age Club ended its notable event with a prayer for  Heavenly Parent and True Parents and a resounding three cheers of eog mansei (Victory for ten thousand years).

Stay tuned on familyfed.org for more stories about local Unificationist communities!