Ortonville- The mood was festive.
Thanksgiving banners were hung, cut flowers in vases adorned tables, placemats made by all three local elementaries were set, and volunteers including community leaders and students from the CHOICES program hurried about to wait on more than 200 guests at the Brandon Schools Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner.
The event was from noon-2 p.m., Nov. 8 at the Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School, 300 South St. Guests dined on turkey, stuffing, rolls, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, mixed veggies and pie. Entertainment was provided by the Brandon High School jazz band, violinists Tobias and Lucas Heller and a sing-a-long was led by Nancy Vancil. The event was free, with local businesses and organizations donating door prizes and more to make it a success.
‘I’ve been doing this for 26 years,? said Don Patrick, principal of Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School. ‘This is to bring our senior together and thank them for all their community support. It’s a holiday celebration. The seniors never complain, they are always grateful. The volunteers and businesses are always willing to help. As a community event, this is the highlight of my year.?
Vivian Lambrecht, an 89-year-old Ortonville resident who has been coming to the event for the past 12 years, described the food as delicious, but really likes seeing all the people. She broke her hip last year and wasn’t able to make the seniors? Thanksgiving dinner.
‘I really missed being here last year,? she said.
Lillian Fulton, an 82-year-old Clarkston resident, came two years ago and is back again this year.
‘It was wonderful then and it’s wonderful today,? said Fulton. ‘I think it’s great how the community gets together and does this.?