Otis resident Bill O’Brien and Blandford regulars Susie Ferris and Sumner Robbins came out to enjoy the brunch and concert. (Photo by Amy Porter)
HUNTINGTON – Fifty older adults from surrounding hilltowns came out to enjoy the delicious food, warm company and festive music by the middle and high school bands and choirs Dec. 5 at the Gateway Regional School District’s Annual Senior Brunch & Concert.
Food Services Director Tasha Hartley said they had to postpone the brunch after two snow days because they didn’t have time to prepare the food. The menu was a vegetarian quiche, fresh fruit salad, sausage patties and school-baked honey buns.
Gateway baker Marie Pease with popular homemade honey buns. (Photo by Amy Porter)
About the latter, Hartley said Gateway has a great baker in the kitchen, Marie Pease, who makes everything from scratch. The wheat honey buns are a big hit, selling 30 a day, Pease said.
Seniors were served by National Honor Society students, who also greeted them at the door to the school, and helped them to find a seat. Hartley also went from table to table, refilling coffee and bringing plates to those who arrived a little late.
At one table, she stopped to speak with retired Food Services Director Wendy McCaul, who started the tradition at Gateway nearly 30 years ago. Asked how Hartley and her crew were doing, McCaul said “they’re doing an awesome job.”
At the Blandford/Otis table, Susie Ferris concurred, saying she had been coming to the brunch for at least 10 years. “The food is always good, and the music is lovely,” Ferris said.
Food Services Director Tasha Hartley stops to speak with retired director Wendy McCaul, while retired Middle School Principal Peter Curro enjoys brunch. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Following brunch, seniors were invited into the Performing Arts Center for the holiday music program, under the direction of Band Director Beth Guertin and Choral Director Jerilyn Beauregard.
Residents who missed the concert (or were too young to attend) will have opportunities to enjoy holiday music by Gateway student musicians and singers at the Middle School Holiday Concert on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. This concert is free of charge and will feature the middle school jazz band, 7-8 grade choir, 5th grade band, 6th grade band and the 7-8 grade band.
Gateway National Honor Society students welcomed seniors and served brunch. (Photo by Amy Porter)
High school musicians take the stage Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gateway Performing Arts Center. Performers include the high school jazz band, concert band, concert choir and show choir, who will all perform winter-themed music.
