By NICK YAMASHITA
Moapa Valley Progress
A crowd of about 80 local residents were served a hot Thanksgiving meal to commemorate the special holiday on Thursday, Nov. 28. The Moapa Valley United Senior Center served people free Thanksgiving meals starting at 12:00 pm.
Thanksgiving Day was special for these dinner guests as the diners were delivered and received not only for local seniors but also to younger ages. All were welcome to the community meal.
“This was a way we could give back to the community and have the seniors be able to have family with them during this holiday meal,” stated Martha Ham, the Meals on Wheels Director at the senior center.
The downtown Overton building was full of friendly conversation with eloquent holiday decorations, while a volunteer group of seven served everyone who attended.
From cooking, cleaning, plating, and even bringing the food and drink to the attendees, these volunteers did it all. When asked about the opportunity to volunteer, 10-year-old Barrett Zaugg said, “I like helping people. When they say thank you, it makes me feel better.”
Senior Center head chef, Reagan Whited started cooking the day before to prepare for the meal. The free dinner consisted of turkey, gravy with mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a roll. For dessert it was pumpkin pie.
“This meal, compared to other ones I cook, was very special,” Whited said. “It provided for those who have no place to go for the holiday to be able to come have a meal and company.”
Dinner guests Carol Shriner and Mary Ann Harms joked saying that the “best thing is that we don’t have to cook and clean-up.” This was followed up by Tim Harms joking about men cleaning too. This assertion was followed by laughter from both sides.
The Harms are from northern Utah and were pleased that they were able to attend this dinner and spend more time focused on their family member Carol Shriner who retired in the valley.
Daniel Holt, a snowbird who is originally from Las Vegas, but who now calls his home the beautiful places of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, sat down and fully enjoyed the meal.
“This is absolutely fantastic!” Holt said. “Really good food and it doesn’t taste like usual cafeteria food!
Plus, it’s nice for a person like me who is by himself. This provides a wonderful place to feel more at home and celebrate Thanksgiving.”
Senior Center director Cindy Davis Marino stated that it was an amazing turnout. She stated that the staff had planned for the event months in advance. That planning had paid off, she said.
The next events for the senior center include the Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 5 and the Christmas Bazaar on December 7. For more info contact Marino at the Senior Center by calling (702) 397-8002.
