St. Dominic School Students Host Luncheon for Southington Seniors

The morning sun of Friday, May 20, provided a pleasant break from the rainy weather. It added an especially bright and cheerful setting for the people, old and young, who came together at the St. Dominic School’s Geraghty Hall located below Ragged Mountain on the beautifully landscaped grounds of St. Dominic Church.

Excitement was in the air as students and staff awaited the arrival of senior citizens who had accepted the invitation to a delicious luncheon and light program hosted by the children of St. Dominic School.

“Our entire school community, with the support of our teachers, presented a delicious luncheon served to 92 seniors,” said Patti Tiezzi, principal of the St. Dominic School. 

“All students participated in the event either by making bright and cheerful welcoming cards, baking cookies, arranging flowers, singing, serving our guests and the cleanup,” Tiezzi said.

The idea of the senior luncheon, hosted and served by the children, came from food service manager Darylanne Archambault. 

“I thought this could be just one more way for our students to realize the importance of reaching out and giving back to the community,” Archambault said.  "It’s basic to all that we teach the children to try each and every day to make someone happy by reaching out to put a smile on at least one person’s face.  Imagine what a world we would live in."

Tiezzi and the Rev. Ron May, pastor of St. Dominic Church, enthusiastically embraced and supported the plan. Tiezzi noted that this event was an exemplary expression of our students living their Catholic faith through Christian actions.

Archambault expressed her gratitude to Calendar House executive director, Robert Verderame, and its program coordinator, Sharyn Murphy for the spirited cooperation in extending the invitation to members of Southington’s senior center.

“Intergenerational connections between seniors and school children are so important in building common ground and stronger relationships between generations,” Murphy said.

Seniors were delighted in the entire program, including the door prize presentations of students and the spirited musical presentations of the school chorus directed by Judy Miller. 

One senior said that it was not only a wonderful luncheon but such a moving experience to watch the children, fifth-graders, all lined up in their uniform aprons, ready to serve, as guests began to arrive. Others mentioned the thoughtfulness of the little children in drawing personal welcome notes, which many people took home with them along with the chocolate candy treats carefully wrapped for each guest.

One of the thank-you notes, received from Jane Cove, praised the children for their broad smiles and attention to every detail, making the luncheon a very special experience for all attending. 

“Look forward to our second annual senior luncheon next year,” Tiezzi said.