The Ashland Senior Center opened its doors Monday night for one of the most anticipated events in its annual calendar — a traditional Thanksgiving dinner cooked and served by Ashland Fire and Rescue.
“In the world now there’s so much negativity, this is a chance to show some positivity,” said Capt. Nick Palmesano, president of the Ashland Firefighters Union.
The union foots the bill for the annual fête as a way to give back to the community, he explained. He leaned over to squeeze more whipped cream onto a slice of pie as his 3-year-old daughter, Ellie, held the plate steady. She wove through the full tables with her blond pigtails swinging to do her part serving the nearly 100 seniors enjoying dinner.
Ellie and her 6-year-old brother, Gus, were helping their father for the first time, he said. The last time the dinner was held, they weren’t old enough. For two years, the pandemic prevented the 12-year-old tradition.