The Shenandoah Valley Music Festival Guild begins its 2020 luncheon schedule with a gourmet buffet at Triplett Tech in Mount Jackson on Thursday, Jan. 23. The meal will be prepared by the culinary arts students under the direction of Chef A. Paje Cross.

Gathering time is 11:30 a.m., with the luncheon served at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $20. The public is cordially invited to attend.

Due to security regulations at the school, the registration table will be at the main entrance. Name tags will need to be worn by all.

The luncheon will begin with a cup of French onion soup served with homemade croutons and Gruyere cheese and a winter salad of mixed greens with goat cheese and pom seeds drizzled with fig balsamic vinagrette. The gourmet buffet will include spinach and mushroom stuffed pork loin with pan jus;

  • Beef medallions with carmelized onions and demi glaze;
  • Yukon Gold scalloped potatoes with fresh chive;
  • Roasted brussel sprouts with crispy pancetta;
  • Dinner rolls with whipped butter.

Dessert will be a wedge of triple chocolate mousse cake (calories extracted!) and finished with raspberry coulis and coffee. Iced tea, coffee and water will be served during the meal.

Following the meal (dozing not allowed!), Chef Cross will introduce her students and discuss the culinary arts program and the success of her students in advanced culinary training. In keeping with Music Guild support of the culinary program, a gratuity basket will be available.  In the past these donations have supported advanced culinary education by Triplett students.

Triplett principal, Connie Pangle, will give an overview of the other programs available for students from the county’s three high schools, which include automobile repair, electrical engineering, masonry and cosmetology.

Triplett is also the site of the Governor’s School for Advanced Students from Page, Rockingham and Shenandoah counties. Programs of the Governor’s School will be outlined.

A brief business session will be held as part of the annual meeting. The nominating committee will present a slate of officers for 2020 and the election held.

For reservations and information about the Music Guild, please contact Sandy Pruett at (540) 459-2314 or email her at kepruett@shentel.net. Space is limited, so reservations should be made, at the latest, by Monday, Jan. 20. Make sure you receive an email confirmation from Sandy for your reservation.

Triplett Tech is located on Route 11, at the southern end of Mount Jackson, next to the Cemetery. Handicapped parking is available near the main entrance, with easy accessibility to the building.