By Elizabeth Covino
MethuenLife Writer
St. Monica School students and members of the Methuen Senior Center made beautiful music together at their joint Happy Hearts chorus concert, held at the school June 9.
Starting with a strong rendition of the national anthem, the group of 20 senior citizens and 24 elementary school students sang 14 songs, from Disney movie soundtracks and 1970s soul music to Beatles classic tunes.
The musical partnership started in 2024 when former Senior Center Director Ashley Shaheen and current Senior Center Director Susan Riccio met at St. Monica School to discuss this potential joint venture with Principal Donna Henderson.
“A friendship was made within moments! I volunteered along with Steve Alfano and Don Riccio on Friday afternoons after I left the Senior Center to bring music and joy to the students. It was the best decision we ever made!” Susan said. “Music is the key to a happy heart. Music is comfort, most importantly it brings generations together to perform together and learn from each other. … Music is my go-to always. Singing is great to keep young at heart; it keeps the mind stimulated.”
Principal Henderson mirrors the joyful sentiment that this joint choir brings to the community: “The partnership between our small Catholic elementary school and the Methuen Senior Center is a beautiful example of how community, faith and shared passions — like the love of music — can unite generations and enrich lives,” she said.
“Students absolutely love participating! They enjoy interacting with the ‘original’ Happy Hearts Chorus. They have developed a love of performing. I have witnessed their confidence growing with each practice and show! Sue tells them the world is in the palm of their hands — their future is limitless and they are taking advantage of this unique opportunity. We are so thrilled to be working together and we are looking forward to next year!” she said.
The original Happy Hearts chorus started under the Direction of Jeanette Courtemanche back in 1984. When she died in 1999, Riccio took over. Over 26 years, the chorus grew and – in addition to performing at the center – spreads their musical joy at nursing homes, assisted-living programs, The Soldiers Home, city events, Methuen Memorial Music Hall.
Last February, Susan became the center’s interim director and recently passed the chorus torch to its new director, Ann Marie Morse, who led this joint Spring Concert.
Check MethuenLife’s Seniors in Motion column for upcoming Happy Hearts concerts.
Second-grade student Ava Dorismond presents her mom, Megan Dorismond, with a carnation during the concert.
In costume to sing “La Bomba” are senior singers (from left) John Mele, Dotti Pepe and Diane Focault.
In costume to sing “La Bomba” are senior singers (from left) John Mele, Dotti Pepe and Diane Focault.
