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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Brunch is perfect.
It’s early enough in the day that it leaves the afternoon free, but late enough in the morning that you can run errands or go on a morning walk. It’s a delicious blend of breakfast and lunch, and is a fine excuse to get family or friends together.
Pair brunch with Dover’s senior community, and you have the annual Harvest Brunch at the American Legion Hall on October 22. The seventh annual brunch invited local seniors to socialize and enjoy a buffet while supporting the Friend of the Dover Council on Aging. Many of the brunch goers bought tickets to the event beforehand and reserved tables to sit with dear friends and family members. However, the Friends welcomed seniors at the door, too, with no prior registration.
Seniors gathered with friends at the seventh annual Harvest Brunch to enjoy a late morning meal and support the Friends of the Council on Aging.
The brunch served as one of the Friends’ major fundraising events to support the programs and services of the Council on Aging. With raffles to win gift certificates to local stores and restaurants, a chance to win a homemade afghan or flower arrangement, and gift basket prizes, the seniors took a shot at being one of the lucky winners. The raffle tickets also helped to raise money for the Friends.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to connect with their neighbors,” said Linda Pettit, the President of Friends of the Dover COA.
Former State Senator, Jack Quinlan joined the seniors for the Harvest Brunch to share his talent as a pianist.
As the seniors enjoyed their brunch, which included the classic combination of bacon and eggs, sandwiches, pastries, fruit salad, coffee, and juices, Jack Quinlan played music from the 20’s to the 50’s on the keyboard.
“Jack, very generously each year, has donated his time and his talent to the Friends of the Council on Aging and does a wonderful job playing those ivories,” Linda said, winking to Jack.
Seniors, or the “more mature,” as Linda likes to say, make up about 23 percent of Dover’s community. The Friends aim to keep the seniors active and informed in the community, as they have such a strong presence in Dover. Linda announced some of the upcoming events in town for the seniors to be aware of, such as the vaccination clinic and the library’s upcoming house tour.
As the Sunday brunch came to an end, the seniors, with bellies full of tasty cuisine and cheeks sore from smiling and laughing for hours, headed home, already excited for next year’s brunch and eager to see what the Council on Aging would host in the coming months.
Seniors enjoyed the seventh annual Harvest Brunch with good company, tasty food, and autumn-themed decorations.
