SOUTH DEERFIELD — A festive atmosphere filled the South County Senior Center on North Main Street Monday afternoon, as members enjoyed turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy during the center’s annual home-cooked potluck lunch.
“It was delicious,” said local resident Holly Magelinski, while sitting at a table with friends Helen Demko, Walter Kurtyka and Joe Polo, adding, “and all the company at my table was wonderful. I enjoyed myself immensely.”
According to Director Marlene Johnson, the holiday-themed event is held each year on the Monday following Thanksgiving, when LifePath in Turners Falls isn’t able to put on its weekly meal at the center. LifePath is a nonprofit organization that runs a few different food-related programs at the center, including Meals on Wheels. Last week, LifePath held another separate Thanksgiving meal at the center.
“Next year we need to get a bigger turkey!” said Program Coordinator Sue Corey to about 70 people packed into the center’s dining room. She also thanked volunteers, who prepared and served the meal, for their help.
Food for the event was donated by local organizations. According to Corey, Chamutka Farm donated squash, South County TRIAD provided a few turkeys, and Szawlowski Potato Farms gave potatoes. Corey also said Deerfield Elementary School students held a food drive at the school, which was later distributed to members of the center.
Johnson noted that the turkey was prepared by Corey. She said it was served with green bean casserole made by Deb Wolfram, “famous baked beans” by Maryann Sadowski, and stuffing prepared with help from Kim Baker.
“This is my first year, and it was phenomenal,” said volunteer Anna Zadworny, manager at Greenfield Savings Bank, about the lunch, calling the sense of community a “wonderful” experience.
A few local officials attended the tri-town event, including town Police Chief John Paciorek Jr., Selectman Trevor McDaniel and Whately Town Administrator Brian Domina.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263