Slideshow and story by Lisa Carolin
For Jean Winans, the Chelsea Senior Center’s annual Thanksgiving lunch, which took place on Friday, Nov. 17, means three things: “Good people, good food, and a good place.”
The Grass Lake resident is a member of the Chelsea Senior Center who has been attending the event for years, and this year invited her friend Clint Gipson to attend.
Lima Township resident Joan Driscoll says she loves being part of the Chelsea Senior Center and has attended the Thanksgiving lunch for the last six years.
“It’s wonderful, and they do a beautiful job,” Driscoll said.
Gary Munce, president of the Senior Center’s Board of Directors, reminded the crowd of more than 200, that the Cole family has been sponsoring Thanksgiving at the Senior Center since 1979. Alan Cole led everyone in a prayer.
“This is a great time of year to give thanks for our family and friends, and the many blessings in our lives,” said Trinh Pifer, executive director of the Chelsea Senior Center. “A shared meal helps all of us to celebrate, reconnect, and give thanks.”
There were about 30 “celebrity servers” at the invent including local business and community leaders, elected officials, and the senior center’s board of directors.
Newly elected Chelsea Mayor Melissa Johnson was one of the servers.
“It’s an opportunity for me to give back to my community and support the Chelsea Senior Center,” she said.
Chelsea Citizen of the Year Jim Randolph was also a server, representing the Chelsea Kiwanis Club.
“This is one of the ‘funner’ events of the year,” he said.
The Thanksgiving meal included salad, rolls, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce and green beans.
After the meal, attendees were entertained by the senior center’s own Mighty Cukes ukulele group and Golden Oldies Barbershop Singers.
