Guests of Claremont’s Joslyn Senior Center Thursday were transported to the English countryside in mind and manner with the celebration of the annual Mother’s Day Tea, a social gathering honoring the gift of motherhood over afternoon refreshments.

The midday haze provided a cozy atmosphere as women gathered, teacups in hand, to enjoy hot tea and finger foods. The Mother’s Day tea is a longstanding tradition near and dear to the hearts of the Joslyn Center staff, who put on the yearly May celebration, and equally cherished by the center’s visitors.

“We are nurses, doctors, lawyers…for one day out of the year it’s nice to celebrate being a mother,” said Joslyn Center regular Irma Joe D’alessio.

The yearly staple is a favorite of regulars like Ms. D’alessio, who has attended the gathering for the past 15 years. Though she admits part of the reason she returns is the delicious sandwiches, it also gives her an excuse to share her pride in being the mother of 3 successful children. “They were all good students, graduated from college, and never got into trouble,” she beamed.

Shannon Glaudi, Joslyn’s senior recreation leader, relishes the opportunity to get creative each year, selecting gifts for the guests and designing the day’s program.

But it’s not just her and the Joslyn staff getting festive. Each guest is encouraged to take part themselves, wearing big, bold hats in true afternoon tea style. Claremont resident Jane Bickman got into character with a hat made from a child’s pink tutu she purchased from a local boutique.

“I’m a glamorous 72-year-old mother,” Ms. Bickman said, sporting her sparkling headpiece, complete with a large pink flower. “It’s a special event for mothers and gives us the opportunity to meet people and have fun.”

Complete story with photos in our next edition.