Grandparents honored as part of holiday tradition

WEBUTUCK — It was a busy day at Amenia Elementary School last Friday, Nov. 21. Webutuck Central School District hosted its annual Grandparents Luncheon at both Amenia Elementary (Friday) and Webutuck Elementary (Tuesday, Nov. 25).

Some students were dressed to impress, clip-on ties included, but most were just happy to spend time with their grandparents or relatives.

Rebecca Hart, one of the event’s coordinators, said the day was “a big success.�

“It gets bigger and better each year,� she said. This is the fourth annual event, which was started by former principal Mike O’Neil. More than 400 lunches were prepared.

“This is the highest attendance we’ve had here,� she added. “It’s great for two generations to be able to enjoy a nice holiday meal together.�

Barbara Murphy, who was accompanying her grandson, Liam, said she always enjoys these events.

“The kids are so proud of it,� she exclaimed.

Tom and Katie Ackerman were there for the first time with their grandson, Derek Gordon, who is 5 years old.

“I like seeing what they do in the classrooms and to meet the teachers,� Tom Ackerman said. “The school always does a wonderful job.�

It was a true Thanksgiving feast, with turkey and stuffing with gravy and rolls. And what would Thanksgiving be without several tables worth of delectable desserts?

Sheila Myers sat with her grandchildren, Jordan and Ashley Hurn. Ashley had been a part of the event before, and Myers added that one year she had volunteered to be with a child who didn’t have grandparents.

The school had set up a volunteer system for children whose grandparents have died or who live too far away to make the trip, to ensure that everyone is included and gets to enjoy the day.

District Superintendent Richard Johns spent some time talking with grandparents before sitting down himself to eat.

“It’s a good thing,� he mentioned. “The people here have come to know and love events like this.�

Many parents and grandparents who attended said they look forward to the event each year, and some students even brought along elderly friends to join their relatives.

It’s certainly the gesture that counts, and mom Karen Storms summed the day up well when she said, “Look around. There are smiles everywhere!�

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