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Dear Editor:
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make this year’s “reimagined” Reading Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 21 such a resounding success.
Due to the health concerns and restrictions associated with COVID-19, we were unable to host Reading’s seniors at our customary sit-down dinner, which has been a local holiday tradition since 2008. Instead, we held a masked, socially-distanced drive-by event in the parking lot of Teresa’s Hillview Country Club to help ensure the safety of everyone who attended.
All participants were provided with a festive holiday bag prepared especially for our local seniors, which included a family size Thanksgiving pie; “pass the pie” dessert dishes; a quart of chicken soup; a loaf of scali bread; one pound of Dunkin’ coffee; fresh apples; ½ a dozen apple cider donuts; ½ a gallon of apple cider; a 2021 Reading Municipal Light Department commemorative calendar; a personal first aid kit; a grocery shopping tote; and a personal size carry all tote. The bag was a team effort and we were fortunate to work with so many caring and generous sponsors and donors.
Our sincere thanks to Reading Cooperative Bank, The Savings Bank, Teresa’s Hospitality Group, MAI Dunkin Donuts North Reading, the Scrivanos Family, The Farmland Market, Harrows Chicken Pies, Russell Orchards – Ipswich & the Reading Municipal Light Department for their generous donations and support. A special thank you to Reading Elder and Human Services Program Coordinator Maria Puglielli, Reading’s Elder and Human Services staff and the Reading Council on Aging for helping to organize this year’s drive-by event, and to Reading Community Services Director Kevin Bohmiller, who helped prepare and distribute the holiday bags.
As in years past, we encouraged those attending to bring canned goods and other food items to help restock the shelves of the Reading Food Pantry. Once again, we were overwhelmed by the tremendous response we received from the community, whose generous donations will allow the food pantry to continue to help local families through these difficult times.
It is truly an honor for us to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with those who have contributed so much to our community. We want to extend our best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season to all Reading residents, and we hope to be able to return to our traditional seated dinner for next year’s event, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 20, 2021. Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Brad, Linda & Rich
Representative Brad Jones & Linda Jones
Representative Richard Haggerty
