By LAURA ROBISON
The Progress
The Moapa Valley Senior Center fed a hungry crowd for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 24.
About 80 people came to the center for lunch and feasted on a turkey dinner, complete with all the fixins.’ The meal included included roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, yams, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and of course pumpkin pie.
Senior Center Director, Cindy Marino has been a part of hosting this event for six years now. But the tradition has been ongoing for much longer than that.
Marino enthusiastically greeted every person who came through the doors. She was happy to be there. “I am thankful for this community,” she said. “The people here at the Senior Center are my family.”
Head Chef Raegan Whited began cooking the meal on Wednesday, with help from assistant Mikaila Tafoya.
“It’s a big job, but I love being here and serving these wonderful people,” said Whited, with a big smile on her face.
Mildred Allen, Melinda Jacob and Terry Allen live in Robbin’s Nest in Overton. They said that they have been attending the Thanksgiving event for seven or eight years now.
“We are friends with just about everyone here,” Mildred said.
“We love everything about Moapa Valley,” said her partner Terry. “We are especially appreciative for the senior center.”
Steve and Jyon McIff are ‘snowbirds’ from Evanston, Wyoming. They have been spending the winter months in Overton since 2011. “We come to escape the cold, wind and snow,” Steve said.
Steve is a retired 1st Sgt. from the U.S. Army. He served in Korea, where he met his wife Jyon.
Jyon said she loves the senior center because they have lots of activities to do.
Steve added, “This food is so delicious, Raegan could be a chef in a fancy restaurant or hotel, she is that good!”
The MV Senior Center will also be serving up Christmas lunch on December 23 from 11:15-12:15. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $4 per person age 60+, or $5 per person for age 59 and under.
For more information about the senior center activities or to register, please call Cindy Marino at 702-397-8002.
