By Corin Cook/Daily News Staff
November 13, 2015
UPTON - Throughout his six-year tenure, Sen. Michael Moore has filled more than 6,000 plates with turkey dinners for area seniors. He added 50-plus to that total Friday during the annual “Turkey Dinner” at the Upton Senior Center.
The idea to host turkey dinners, Moore said, “started out accidentally.” Six years ago, when Moore was in a restaurant in Millbury, he heard that the eatery had “over-ordered turkey,” so he contacted the Millbury Senior Center to see if it would like to have a turkey dinner event.
“It was such a hit,” said the Millbury Democrat, that he decided to host or sponsor turkey dinners annually in all eight communities that he represents.
Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, asks if anyone has a special request while serving meals during his free turkey dinner at Upton Senior Center on Friday. Daily News and Wicked Local Staff Photo/ Allan Jung
Upton’s turkey dinners, Moore said, always have a strong turnout in the 50 range, but in larger communities such as Auburn and Shrewsbury, he serves nearly 200.
“It’s a great way to start the holiday season off,” he said, especially for senior citizens who may not have family or a place to go on Thanksgiving.
It’s also personally beneficial, Moore said, because it provides an informal venue for him to talk with residents so he can “pick up on issues.”
Janice Nowicki, director of The Upton Center, the town’s senior center, said she is always “so grateful for Senator Moore.”
Council on Aging member Richard Provost said he has been volunteering for the past four years.
A self-proclaimed Moore supporter, Provost said he is pleased to see the “good things he’s doing for the seniors in our community.”
Longtime resident Hazel Sadler said she attends the turkey dinner every year and “words cannot describe it. … It’s a very special event.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” added Lester Shea who has been coming to the event for the past four years, at least.
His favorite part, he said, is “the camaraderie - I see people I haven’t seen in years.”
Shea said he is thankful for the senator's efforts because “we wouldn’t be together today without him.”
Naturally though, in an event hosted by a senator, Shea said his fellow Upton residents become “very political. … They have to see who you’re going to vote for.”
On the other hand, he added,“The food is always good, so that’s a plus.”
SOURCE: Wicked Local Upton