Fun, food, and camaraderie were the orders of the day as grade school students joined in the festivities at the Rumson Senior Citizens Club’s Halloween Luncheon recently.

Sixteen sixth- and seventh-grade Forrestdale School students, chaperoned by school counselor Jenn Crow, walked to the First Presbyterian Church and entertained the seniors with some Halloween fun.

First there was a Halloween costume contest. Seniors paraded their attire for the students, who voted by ballot to choose the winner — a surprised and thrilled Carolyn Ott as The Cat, as she called it.

The students and seniors then enjoyed some food and one another’s company.

Senior Margaret Bergmann was full of questions for the students seated with her, wondering who their favorite sports teams were and whether “boys still chase girls around the playground and make them scream.” (Two female students at her table answered yes and laughed, much to her delight).

The students in attendance had spent time with members of the Rumson Senior Citizens Club last year, getting to know them during regularly scheduled lunches that took place in the school cafeteria. At the end of the school year, Club members presented the students with service certificates.

This year, the seniors thought it would be nice to “turn the tables” and host the students at one of their special occasions.

“The young kids should stay in touch with the seniors,” said Gina Cesario, Club president, who proudly noted that her granddaughter Samantha Cesario was among the students present. “We have a lot to teach one another.”

And if the smiles on everyone’s faces were any indication, the Halloween event was a “lesson” thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The Rumson Senior Citizens Club is always looking for new members and meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from September through June at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson on 4 East River Road.

Meetings start promptly at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Members are welcome to stay after meetings to enjoy card and board games. Yearly dues, paid at the first meeting of the year in September, are $20.

Activities include bus trips, charity work (Toys for Tots), a yearly fundraiser, special events, guest speakers, Club-sponsored luncheons twice a year, and attendance at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School plays. Blood pressure testing is available each month.

— Edited press release from the Rumson School District