Thanksgiving comes a week early

Thanksgiving comes a week early
+ click to enlarge News staff photo by Tara Vocino Lions Club member Dennis O'Brien serves Ginette Levesque, 74, a slice of pumpkin pie, following a pre-Thanksgiving luncheon at the Otter River Sportsman's Club on Thursday. 'It's wonderful that we can gab and see old friends. The Lions Club does a wonderful job.'  — Raymond Watt Tara Vocino Reporter TEMPLETON — Fifteen Templeton Lions Club members served a pre-Thanksgiving lunch to 75 seniors at the Otter River Sportsman’s Club on Thursday. According to Lions Club Member Dennis O’Brien, club members cooked the free meal, which consisted of turkey, mashed potatoes, string beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, bread, and pumpkin pie while Lions Club members served drinks and dessert. Senior Audrey Flaglier, 72, said she doesn’t know how to put their compassion into words. “It’s wonderful that people give of their time for no other reason, just to be kind,” Ms. Flaglier said. “Time doesn’t cost anything. It means a lot. It’s something money can’t buy. To me, that’s priceless.” Ms. Flaglier called the meal “a real gift” and a “wonderful service given to the senior community.” She will spend Thanksgiving Day with an elderly woman, Lou, in her own home, and she will have Thanksgiving dinner with her son, Michael. Ms. Flaglier said she is very thankful. She ate everything in the meal, which she called “delicious.” Raymond Watt, 82, said the venue is a brighter and livelier atmosphere since the club was renovated. “Every year, the people act a little slower, but they look happy, at any age,” Mr. Watt said. “It’s wonderful that we can gab and see old friends. The Lions Club does a wonderful job.” Ginette Levesque, 74, said she and her husband, Gerald, registered through the Senior Center early. The luncheon was sold-out. “I hope the elderly in town appreciate what the Lions Club has done for them,” Ms. Levesque said. “It’s a lot of work for them to put this on.” Ms. Levesque called meeting new people at the luncheon “an experience.” John Whipple, 75, said it’s nice to have a home-cooked meal. “I don’t cook,” Mr. Whipple said. “I always go out to eat. It’s even better (this year) since my wife, Jannet, 77, died this September.” Mr. Whipple said he’s known some people at the dinner table his whole life and he met others at the senior center. Mr. O’Brien said although the Thanksgiving lunch is the only event the Lions Club does for seniors, the club also donates eyeglasses and hearing devices.