Greylock Community Club members served free food to veterans, their families and the public on Veterans Day. At left, Ray Aubin, left, Jim Wondolowski and Huey Rand cooked about 68 pounds of roast beef for the dinner.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Veterans Day didn't wind down until long after the 21-gun salute on Monday — after all, dinner wasn't served until 4 p.m. at the Greylock Community Club.

 

The club hosted a free dinner for veterans, their families and friends for two hours that evening.

 

"This is all about the veterans and I hope they enjoyed their meal," said Joanne Aubin, a club member who volunteered serving throughout the night.

 

The all-volunteer effort, featuring cooks Ray Aubin, Jim Wondolowski and Huey Rand, served more than 100 veterans roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn and bread. In addition to dinner, a table full of desserts was donated by members.

 

"This is the least we can do," said Trustee Tim Sunn, who quickly made rounds bussing table to table and keeping supplies in check.

 

Club President Randy Wood said Greylock Community Club has roots back to the service because it was founded by World War II veterans. The Veterans Day dinner started seven  years ago as the initiative of bar manager JoAnn Langlois.

 

"And we'll do it again next year," Wood said.

 

With less than two months left in the calendar year, the Greylock Community Club has a couple more upcoming fundraisers and events.

 

On Thursday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., the club will host a benefit spaghetti dinner to help fund Diane Bleau's recovery from a bike accident. Tickets are $7 and there will be a 50/50 raffle, a dessert table and to-go meals available. For tickets or more information, contact Connie at 413-664-9402.

 

The club will also organize two more benefits for the holiday season — a children's Christmas party and a dinner giveaway.

 

Sunn said 10 families will be selected from a list compiled by club members to receive a free Christmas dinner that includes a 20-pound turkey and the fixings, "right down to the apple pie." People who are in most need of the dinner, either from a lost job, unemployment or tough luck will be selected. 

 

In December, the club will also donate about $3,000 in toys to local children at the Christmas party.

 

"We go all out," Sunn said. "We do a lot, it's amazing."