The ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) held its annual Thanksgiving luncheon on Monday, November 21st. Over 75 members of the community, nearly all of them seniors from the neighborhoods, came to the center at 1 Michelangelo Street in the North End to a traditional repast of turkey, sides, pie, and a delicious rum cake that celebrated the November birthdays in the room, and in particular, one senior who was turning 90! State Senator Joe Boncore and Representative Aaron Michlewitz visited with their legislative aides to wish their constituents a happy Thanksgiving, and to donate some much-needed turkeys and gift cards, which the NE/WE NSC raffled off to the crowd after dessert. City Councilor Sal LaMattina sent his regrets that he could not attend personally due to a conflicting event, and the NE/WE NSC thanks him for collaborating with Senator Boncore and Representative Michlewitz for their compassionate donation of turkeys and gift cards.
Other special guests included Advisory Board Chair Dan Wilson, who helped with serving the hungry crowd, and Advisory Board Member Victor Brogna. Vice President of Century Bank Lina Buttieri also made the rounds to serve and visit with seniors and to wish them a “buona festa” and Director Lisa Parilla and Luda Bednarzh of Boston Senior Home Care spoke to seniors in between courses about the services that their agency offers, and they will visit again at future congregate meals in the North End and West End to connect seniors to vital home care services.
This year the NE/WE NSC has seen an increase in the need for turkeys and food donations to provide holiday meals and holiday baskets for seniors. They remain especially thankful to elected officials, businesses, and donors for their support. Simply put, with the outpouring of love, support, and kindness from their communities, the NE/WE NSC provided nourishment for the body and soul to all who knocked on their doors for a Thanksgiving feast or other assistance. Without you, none of this would have been possible. The NE/WE NSC extends its deepest thanks to you! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
