On Thanksgiving Day, community members in Greenfield and Turners Falls, Massachusetts, gathered to share meals and celebrate togetherness. The Stone Soup Cafe and the Montague Elks Lodge played central roles in providing festive meals for those in need, ensuring that the spirit of Thanksgiving was felt throughout the region.
At the Stone Soup Cafe, located in Greenfield, volunteers served traditional Thanksgiving dishes, including turkey and an array of desserts. The café welcomed patrons seeking a warm meal and a festive atmosphere. Among the attendees was Jac Essing from New Haven, Connecticut, who enjoyed a meal alongside her friend Matt Ashby.
The Montague Elks Lodge also made a significant impact by preparing and distributing meals to the community. Lodge members, such as Kim Bergeron, Rod Demers, and Justin Demers, worked diligently to plate and carve turkey for an impressive total of 200 meals. This effort reflected the lodge’s commitment to serving those who might otherwise go without a holiday meal.
Many volunteers, including Terry Eaklor from Millers Falls, took it upon themselves to deliver meals to homebound friends. Eaklor picked up eight turkey dinners to ensure that those unable to attend the communal gatherings still shared in the Thanksgiving experience. The sense of community was evident as people came together to help one another during the holiday.
The atmosphere at the Montague Elks Lodge was lively, with residents like Dan Parker donning a homemade turkey hat while picking up his meal. Such moments highlighted the joy and camaraderie that permeated the day, as members of the community celebrated not only the holiday but also their connections with one another.
Photographer Paul Franz captured these moments of joy and community spirit, showcasing the dedication of volunteers and the appreciation of those they served. The efforts by both the Stone Soup Cafe and the Montague Elks Lodge exemplified the essence of Thanksgiving: sharing, gratitude, and togetherness.
As the day came to a close, it was clear that the commitment to supporting one another during the holiday season extended beyond just providing meals. These gatherings fostered relationships and strengthened community bonds, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion and generosity.
