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Legion Expecting 500 for Annual DinnerBy Jen Thomas - December 25, 2007
NORTH ADAMS - All that's left to do is carve the turkey and mash the potatoes.
In its 52nd year, the American Legion Christmas Dinner is set to go off without a hitch this Christmas Day. According to Post 125 Finance Officer and event Chairman William Schrade, approximately 500 diners are expected to take part in the holiday tradition.
"The weather's supposed to be nice and for a lot of people, it's the place to be. I'm sure it'll be a great time," said Schrade.
With 350 pounds of turkey prepared and Santa Claus expected to make an appearance, the annual dinner can best be described as an enormous family meal, complete with cheer and good will.
"We like people to come to the Legion so they have somewhere to be on Christmas Day, where they can see a familiar face," said Schrade.
Along with his wife and daughter, Karli, Schrade also organizes the delivery of 175 meals to homebound residents, which includes 50 distributed through the American Legion Post 29 in Readsboro, Vt. Because Elder Services of Berkshire County does not operate the Meals on Wheels program on Christmas Day, the Schrades volunteered to provide special holiday feasts to interested parties.
"It's a family thing for us. My wife and daughter help out and do the meals-to-go and it's nice that we all come together," said Schrade, who has been the organizer of the Christmas dinner for 11 years.
Schrade was quick to note that he couldn't do it on his own.
"Everybody who has worked has been really helpful. I couldn't do it without him," he said.
In addition to his band of talented cooks who have worked tirelessly to produce enough food for an army, the Legion was the recipient of local holiday good will.
Clarksburg, Savoy and Gabriel Abbot Memorial schoolchildren baked 40 apple and pumpkin pies and, on Friday, a group of Drury High School students helped decorate the banquet hall in preparation for today's festivities.
"I feel fortunate to be able to help our community by decorating [the Legion hall]," said Jenna Haley, who lent a hand along with the rest of Patrick Boulger's sociology class.
Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Legion Post 125 and home deliveries will be made beginning at 10:30 a.m. |
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