The annual Fa-La-La  55+ Luncheon was attended by some 50 parishioners last Friday afternoon. I was fortunate enough to attend  the mass  and  luncheon that followed. I say that in earnest  for little did I know that a gift was awaiting me at the end of the occasion. One never knows when a treasure  might come one’s way. And indeed, I was blessed on this day and will be thankful for it.

The mass in the church was presided by Fr. George Wertin. It was a bright morning and as usual the light streaming through gives a heavenly glow to this holy place. Accompanying George was musician extraordinaire  Dan Chouinard with his signature accordion. He soothingly filled the church with the songs of praise lifting everyone who willingly joined him for a few tender little Christmas pieces such as "Away in the Manger".

George solicited the group to share in stories of traditions that warmed our hearts during this season. Stories that told us of caring, hope, kindness with friends and family alike. Traditions that were special and unique in there own way and in some cases...a humorous way.

Of course most everyone there were close acquaintances sending smiles across the room, hugging and hand shaking.  We prayed for peace and good health. We stopped to pay gratitude for our friendships and families. And a last bonus birthday announcement of two women in the congregation. One in particular, a dear friend and longtime parishioner, who turned a gregarious 82. Kay has an infectious smile and outlook on life. Someone you can count on for a positive uplift and passionate best wishes. This luncheon was a highlight of her day. She was thankful for the wonderful opportunities that the SJA community brings her.

We continued by saying our thanks and then preceded downstairs to celebrate with a pre-Christmas tea luncheon. The food was a fine cuisine feast.....salmon and chicken, holiday salad, rolls, and a return of the delectable garlic mashed sweet potatoes.....tasting like heaven to the palate!  Oh what a welcome sight with all the right touches. Dessert hit the spot with a cranberry apple crisp topped with whipped cream.

Julie Madden was decked out in her Disney/Christmas attire leading us in a ceremonial "Grace” before the meal. Dan joined in with a little more sidewalk bistro accordion music.  Above all, this delightful gathering couldn't have happened without its hosts who were superbly attentive as if we were royalty. Many thanks to them. The occasion was complete in all these ways and as we so like to say “a collective success"!

And what was that special gift I found that afternoon? While visiting at a table I introduced myself to Nancy Wright who recognized my last name and told me her best friend sitting next to her knew my relatives.

As I met Evelyn Burns, I was surprised to learn she lived a few doors from my husband's parents 50 yrs. ago. I only met my husband's mother a few months before she died. Evelyn shared with me a bit of what life was like as her neighbor.  I heard some wonderful stories about my special mother-in-law I never got to know. I was mesmerized along with being ever so thankful for meeting her. What a priceless gift it was for me.  Along with that I now have some new found friends in the SJA family.

Merry Christmas

and

Peg LaSota comes from a photography background. She now works in the digital world, computer instruction, and with "videography" and the restoration of family films. She is enthusiastic about capturing family memories and preserving them digitally. Along with that, her time is spent with her family and her love for learning Spanish, piano, recorder.....and of course singing with the choir!