Ladies, what do you say to lunch? I say lunch is always a good idea, especially when the Wellesley Service League (WSL) is in charge.

On Mondays from October through May, the WSL along with the Wellesley Friendly Aid Society hosts Friendship Circle, a social program for senior women of all income levels. Participants enjoy a wide variety of activities including speakers, holiday parties, musical performances, and excursions. WSL members provide transportation to each meeting, and everyone enjoys camaraderie and a good lunch.

The women of Friendship Circle enjoy the annual spring luncheon hosted by the Wellesley Service League provisional members. Photo credit: Margaret Loofbourrow.

Before breaking for the summer, the WSL puts together the much-anticipated annual spring luncheon. It’s called the provisional luncheon because the first-year members of Service League (called the provisional class) are in charge of the event. WSL member Margaret Loofbourrow says, “The newest class of Service League hosts the beautiful luncheon, complete with white table cloths, flowers, a menu, a four course meal, superior service with a smile, and a goodie bag for all the ladies. Service League sure knows how to make the ladies feel special.”

This year’s theme was “Spring Florals and English China” and a group of 35 was served at the lovely home of Deb Paul. “Sixteen Wellesley Service League provisionals planned, set up, cooked, and waited on the esteemed guests,” said member Carol Morrow.

On the menu: starters of mini quiche and mini crab cakes with dipping sauce; a main of grilled lemon chicken served with a spring pasta and pesto and pea salad, with honey roasted baby carrots; a salad of baby romaine lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers; and pound cake with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for dessert. Iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and tea were also served.

A pianist set the mood with cool jazz standards, and all the guests went home with party favors of tea cups filled with chocolates.

Morrow said, “It was such a rewarding experience to see our seniors so enjoy themselves — smiling, laughing, socializing. They certainly look forward to the event each year. Their heartfelt thank you’s at the end of the luncheon was more than enough reward.”