LONGPORT – Eighty-six senior citizens, from age 65 to 99, attended the 20th annual Valentine’s Day luncheon hosted by local Realtors Angel and Jerome DiPentino of Long & Foster’s Premier Team Wednesday at Totaro Hall.
As always, the lavish luncheon featured a sumptuous buffet catered by Barrel’s of Margate, along with heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, chocolate-covered pretzels and strawberries, cookies, canoli, and a delicious yellow sheet cake that wished everyone a very happy Valentine’s Day.
The DiPentinos were joined by members of their real estate office staff to serve the seniors who dressed in red and pink for the occasion. Longport’s man-about-town, Herb Stern, now 99 years old, stood out among the crowd wearing a Kelly green sweater to prepare for the next big holiday – St. Patrick’s Day.
Angel DiPentino introduced everyone to newly installed Chief of Police Ray Burgen and Lt. Nicholas Rettino, who welcomed everyone to the celebration.
To promote the Police Department’s Community Policing program, Burgen encouraged the seniors to feel free to interact with police officers when they see them on the street.
“Believe me, you are not bothering us. Please, ask us questions and get to know our officers,” Burgen said. “We are here to serve you.”
The DiPentinos have been hosting the luncheon for the last 20 of their 40 years as owners of one of three commercial businesses in the borough. The real estate office sells real estate not only in Longport, but in Ventnor and Margate as well. Their tagline is, “We cover the island.”
“We are blessed to be able to do this and be a part of the community,” Angel DiPentino said. “This is a wonderful way to get to see everyone, especially during the winter, and give back to the community we serve.”
The biggest topic of discussion at the tables decorated with heart-shaped balloons and red tablecloths, was the balmy 47-degree weather after weeks of icy cold. Seniors told their own stories about how they were snowed in and unable to shovel the 4-inch thick ice from their sidewalks and driveways.
Vickie Quigley, who retired last year as an underwriter for Travelers Insurance Company, is now living in Longport full-time after years of part-time residency.
“This is a great turnout, and I can see why,” she said. “This is my first time here and everything is so wonderful.”
She said she is trying to attend as many events as possible to get to know her year-round neighbors.
“This is a great opportunity for me to get to know others who are here all year long,” she said. “Good food, good people and good company.”
“It’s so great to see the faces of our neighbors in such a festive atmosphere,” Angel DiPentino said.
The seniors enjoyed salad, chicken Francaise, baked ziti, mashed potatoes, string bean almondine, soft drinks and sweets. At the conclusion of the luncheon, all the women received a long-stemmed red rose and a bag of chocolates.
Enjoy our photo gallery of the event...
Angel and Jerome DiPentino of Long & Foster Premier Team hosted their 20th annual Valentine's Day Luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Totaro Hall.
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