Over 130 people attended the third annual senior citizens holiday dinner, organized by the Marion Police Brotherhood in conjunction with the Marion Council On Aging.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Officer Anthony DiCarlo who is also the union president. “It brings all the elderly people together, many haven’t seen each other all year.”
The banquet, held at the Marion Social Club on Saturday December 15, featured a turkey dinner, dessert, and coffee.
The Marion Police Department has a history of reaching out to the community, especially the older residents in town. In the past, the Marion Police Brotherhood made holiday gift baskets for local elderly residents but they found that they could serve more people with the dinner.
“The baskets sort of ran their course. We decided this was a better venue. Last year we had about 100,” DiCarlo said. “We love to have as many people as we can.”
Marion Selectman Jody Dickerson was also at the banquet visiting with the police and the dinner guests.
“It’s a great turn out. The members of the brotherhood and police department did a great job. They do so much for the community. It’s what makes Marion such a great town to live and work in,” Dickerson said.
“It’s a wonderful idea that they started this. It gets a lot of people out of the house. People really look forward to it,” said Richard Robert of Fairhaven, who suggested adding live music to next year’s banquet.
For those who could not attend, whether infirmed or shut-in, DiCarlo said that members of the COA were delivering meals to their homes. Many seniors at the banquet were able to a guest if they required assistance.
“It’s always very good. The meal is always tops here. It’s outstanding,” said Marion senior Al Berry. “We really appreciate what the police do for the town.”
For more information on the Marion Police Brotherhood and its community activities, visit marionpolicebrotherhood.org.
By Eric Tripoli
