Thank You To All Who Made The 2025 North Reading Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner A Success

Dear Editor:

We are writing to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who joined us at Teresa’s Functions and Events’ Crystal Ballroom on Sunday, November 23, for the annual North Reading Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner.

A community holiday tradition for nearly 45 years, this year’s celebration provided an opportunity to gather with hundreds of friends and neighbors to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Guests enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Thanks to special guest entertainer Luciano Russo, who delighted the crowd with a wide array of musical favorites. Luciano was joined by his brother Albert Russo who ran the keyboard. Joining us at the head table were town officials including Select Board Chair Stephen O’Leary, his wife Susan O’Leary, Select Board member Richard Wallner, along with Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto.

Several guests made the day extra special. Father Brian Flynn of St. Theresa’s Parish provided the blessing. A rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Todd Angilly, national anthem singer for the Boston Bruins. A very special visit was made by Santa Claus who checked his naughty and nice list in person.

Thanks to North Reading Senior Center Director Kim Manzelli and her staff at the Edith O’Leary Senior Center who work tirelessly to help organize this event and for all they do throughout the year to support our seniors. Thank you to the North Reading Patch for promoting the event.

During the event Mary Trullo of North Reading was once again presented the Boston Post Cane by Angela Mauceri. The Boston Post Cane is traditionally given to the oldest living resident of North Reading who has resided in the community for at least 25 years. Thanks to Angela for coordinating this presentation along with flowers and a formal citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Thanks to the generous financial support of our sponsors, who helped underwrite the event, the dinner was free and open to all senior citizens from North Reading. We would like to thank The Savings Bank, The Reading Cooperative Bank, and Amazon for their financial support.

A very special thank you Teresa’s owner Nick Yebba and his team for working with us to make this event at our new venue a truly remarkable and memorable kickoff to the holiday season.

As in years past, we encouraged those attending the dinner to bring canned goods and food donations to help fill the shelves at the North Reading Food Pantry. We are truly grateful for the overwhelming response we received from our guests. Thanks to Penny Lord Esposito and Ken Carpenter for their assistance in coordinating and partnership.

Thank you to the North Reading Police Department for their presence ensuring a safe event.

We are honored to carry on this annual tradition and look forward to next year’s dinner. We wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Brad, Linda & Bruce

Representative Brad Jones & Linda Jones

Senator Bruce Tarr