The ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) held its annual Thanksgiving luncheon on Friday, November 22.
The turnout was fabulous, with nearly 60 seniors from both the North End and West End neighborhoods enjoying a hearty meal of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, mixed veggies, salad, and more. There was still plenty of room for pumpkin pie and cookies, the latter of which were donated by City Councilor Lydia Edwards.
Julia Power, Neighborhood Service Coordinator, lovingly prepared the meal, with assistance from the team at ABCD NE/WE NSC and Kate Matthews and Lauren Brody from ABCD Central Offices. Former NE/WE NSC Advisory Board Member David Roderick helped with serving the hungry crowd as he does every year.
In attendance also were NE/WE NSC Advisory Board Member Victor Brogna, as usual on trumpet, and the dulcet tones of “Ain’t She Sweet?” filled the drop-in center against the backdrop of animated chatter. The center was bustling and inviting, and draped in fall decorations to herald the arrival of the holiday season.
State Senator Joe Boncore, State Representative Aaron Michlewitz, and City Councilor Lydia Edwards made the rounds with their legislative aides to wish their constituents a happy Thanksgiving, and to donate some much-needed gift cards for the purchase of turkeys and other holiday staples and necessities. The seniors take such delight in their familiar faces, as do the staff and volunteers at the NE/WE NSC.
State Representative Aaron Michlewitz visits his constituents. 
Senator Joe Boncore shares alLaugh with his constituents. 
Maria Stella Gulla, Director, ABCD NE/WE NSC and State Representative Aaron Michlewitz 
State Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Community Resident Barbaro Maldero
Additionally, the center gratefully acknowledges Greg and Caryn Antonelli of GTA Landscaping; Steven Colarusso of Antonio’s Cucina Italiana in the West End; Al and Maryann Giorgio of La Famiglia Giorgio’s; and Mary Guarino and the team at Church on the Hill for turkey donations.
Regina Cleri, for the sixth year in a row, organized a food drive to stock the center’s food pantry shelves, as did Strada 234 and West End Place. Richard Holden, Lead Concierge, of the Beverly, is in the process of collecting holiday necessities such as food and clothing, and the BCYF Nazzaro Community Center just held an annual food drive for the center. Robin Sidell of North Street Grille held a community night at her restaurant and gave a generous check to purchase turkeys. Thanks to all mentioned and many more, no one who came to the center’s doors went without a bountiful feast for Thanksgiving!
All served had a nourishing meal at the luncheon with turkeys and food to take home to enjoy in the following days. It is the NE/WE NSC’s goal to give each senior or family in need a gift card or turkey, and thanks to its charitable supporters, the center can.
The need for turkeys and holiday help is ever increasing. Winter has settled in abruptly with snow in November and December and real-feel temperatures in the teen digits, so more than ever, the center remains 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 accommodated all who knocked on their doors for a Thanksgiving feast or other assistance. Without you, none of this would have been possible.
Those who are interested in joining the fun for weekly hot lunches and monthly events and celebrations should contact the NE/WE NSC at 617-523-8125. New clients must sign up for a free membership with ABCD. Happy Thanksgiving!
