MASONS THANKSGIVING DINNER

THANK YOU

Amy Lockerbie Smith

If anyone was wondering why the Masons parking lot was filled to the brim on Saturday November 23rd before twelve noon, it was because Thanksgiving came early. 

Adorable children dressed in their finest were there to greet guests as we arrived.  I arrived at 11:45 and almost every table was filled.  I soon found some friends and an empty chair at their table.  When entering the hall round tables were arranged throughout; the table color coverings presented a fall motif with sprinklings of fall leaves as a centerpiece.  Thanksgiving napkins with nice utensils were placed around the tables.  

Shortly after being seated, a charming young boy in a shirt and tie came around with coffee cups and told us someone would soon be coming around with coffee.  Sure enough, someone came offering our choice of decaf or regular coffee, followed by a delightful young girl with cream.  We had some time to chat, get reacquainted with old friends and meet some new friends while we enjoyed our coffee.

Don Doliber offered a prayer of Thanksgiving before dinner was served.   Soon some nice folks came around with trays laden with plates filled with the bounty of the season.  There were very generous portions of sliced turkey, white meat with a little dark as well, a large spoonful of peas, pearl onions, squash, mashed potato and stuffing.  Gravy lightly covered the meat and potato.  There was a dish of cranberry sauce and additional gravy on the table.   Not only was it generous, but it was very delicious.  If that wasn’t enough, when the dishes were cleared, along came more trays filled with a warm apple crisp with a scoop of delightful vanilla ice cream.  What a feast!

This whole banquet was brought to the older folks FREE of charge by the Masons and they had lots of help.  Louise Moore was the chief cook and coordinator.  Louise is the proprietor of her own catering business, Every Little Breeze and is also the chef for the Marblehead Rotary.  She did a fabulous job today feeding 108 people.  ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT people!  That’s a lot of turkey folks . . .  lots of slaving over a hot stove.  This was the second year the Masons undertook this feast.  Last year I think the number attending was in the ballpark of about 85.

Additionally, helpers were from the Chamber of Commerce, wives of the Masons, the COA helped including Executive Director Teri McDonough.  Jefff Chelgren, Marblehead’s Town Administrator also pitched in to lend a hand.  Last but not least were the children, they were wonderful helpers; all dressed up in their finery, on their best, behavior, so sweet and helpful. 

Our early Thanksgiving was so wonderful I want to thank everyone for all the thoughtfulness and hard work you put into making this such a special day for so many.  

GOD BLESS.