By Alexandra Molnar, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Nearly 200 senior citizens got an early taste of the holiday at the Shrewsbury Senior Center’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 20. In its sixth year, the event is sponsored by State Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, who serves the turkey dinners along with members of his staff and volunteers from the Senior Center. The attendees enjoyed a full feast – free of cost – including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce and spice cake.
This year, Moore collaborated with State Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury, to sponsor the event. Among many of the volunteers invited to facilitate the dinner were Shrewsbury selectmen Henry Fitzgerald and Moira Miller, Director of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Jeannie Hebert, Moore’s chief of staff, members of the Shrewsbury School Committee, and Senior Center staff.
“[I] try to make it a strong community event,” Moore said.
Goretti’s Supermarket in Millbury caters the dinner each year.
Kane said that the Shrewsbury Senior Center is very appreciative of the event as many senior citizens do not have people with whom they can celebrate the holiday. She also said that it is an opportunity for Senator Moore and her to meet with the elder residents in an informal setting.
Senator Moore serves Thanksgiving dinners to around 1,000 people at senior centers throughout his district, including in Auburn, Northbridge, Grafton and Upton.
Moore and Kane will work together again at the Shrewsbury Senior Center Christmas luncheon sponsored by Kane Dec. 18.
