Brandon Twp.-About 25 years ago, Jerry Wabeke–then the assistant superintendent of financial services– along with other school officials and service groups decided just before Thanksgiving the school would host a dinner to help area seniors learn about the school district.
‘At the time there was a lot going on within the district, there were big divisions due to a recent millage and other issues,? said Wabeke, who left the district for Tri-County schools near Grand Rapids in 1985. ‘The dinner was just a way to bring people in the community together.?
A quarter of a century later the Brandon community still gathers for dinner, entertainment and conversation.
On Tuesday about 250 area seniors dined at the annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving dinner at the Brandon-Fletcher Intermediate School, 300 South St., Ortonville. Hosted by the Brandon School District and service groups, Donald Patrick, Brandon-Fletcher Intermediate school principal event coordinator says the dinner is a true community event.
‘Nearly all businesses participate in the event,? said Patrick. ‘When we first started about 50 to 75 attended, now a few hundred attend.?
The 2004 Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner included participation of more than 50 area businesses, the Brandon Show Choir, the V.F.W. Sherman Wudarcki Sutton Post and a host of Brandon School employees. In addition, Choices Program volunteers also assisted.
Charlene Carlson, who assisted in the coordination of the event and has worked with the program for the past 18 years says the dinner exemplifies the generosity of the community.
‘There’s never a hesitation to donate to the community,? said Carlson. ‘It’s amazing how much our seniors have given back to the community through 4-H and a variety of other services.?