Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner Tradition Continues!

The annual senior citizen Thanksgiving dinner has been a local tradition for decades and sponsors and organizers are making certain the tradition continues!

During these unprecedented times and with strict guidelines and regulations, our normal celebration was not possible in its regular format and style but that’s not stopping the volunteers. Organizers said they had to be creative with planning the event this year. Not only are gathering sizes greatly reduced but our guests, who are senior citizens, are in a very high risk group. For this year, we had to reformat the tradition. Representative Brad Jones, Linda Jones and Senator Bruce Tarr in partnership with the North Reading Council On Aging have planned something special.

Organizers tried to keep as many elements of the event as possible intact in a safe manner. This year the annual event will be a drive by event on the same day, same time and at the same venue. North Reading senior citizens will visit us in the parking lot of Teresa’s Hillview Country Club, 149 North Street on Sunday, November 22 from 12-1:30.

“We really struggled with how to celebrate our senior citizens and continue this decades-long tradition. We collaborated with Mary Prenney and her staff to organize a festive drive up event this year,” stated Representative Jones.

Registered guests will be greeted in the parking lot at the Hillview by local officials and invited guests who would normally be seated at the head table. Senior citizens will receive a festive bag containing tasty goodies & treats. Bags will be placed in their vehicle by a volunteer to ensure all safety protocols are being followed.

Interested North Reading senior citizens need to RSVP to reserve a Thanksgiving inspired bag at 978-664-5600. Reservations are required for planning purposes. One bag per household and quantities are limited so be sure to make a reservation.

Annually at the event we ask guests attending the dinner to bring canned goods to help stock the shelves at the North Reading Food Pantry. Drive through guests who can are encouraged to bring a few of the most wanted items for the Food Pantry. Top needed items are:

• Quick breads/cookie mixes

• White tuna

• Hot Chocolate

• Jarred pasta sauce

• Cake Frosting

• Instant Oatmeal packets

• Canned Pasta

• All types of cleaners-- all purpose, glass, dish detergent etc.

“We are sad that we can’t gather inside and enjoy time on the dance floor but we think we found a unique way to keep the spirit of the annual tradition alive,” said Senator Bruce Tarr.

Same date

Same time

Same venue

Safe & healthy different format....

We hope many senior citizens will drive by and pick up their tote bag and we look forward to returning to our festive seated luncheon on November 21, 2021.