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| By Lori O'Brien Correspondent CHICOPEE There were smiles galore as approximately 600 elders turned out for the annual Holiday Nutrition Party hosted by WestMass ElderCare (WMEC) on Dec. 6. "It is a wonderful gathering of individuals who reside throughout our region, who may only see one another at special events like this," said Priscilla Chalmers, executive director, WMEC, during an interview with Reminder Publications. Area residents attending the festive affair were from Chicopee, Holyoke, South Hadley, Belchertown, Ludlow, Granby and Ware, all communities that WMEC serves. Chalmers noted that individuals ranged in age from those in their 60's to 99-year-old Mary Mish of Chicopee, who will turn 100 next month. Chalmers also noted there were approximately 65 volunteers including personnel from Westover Air Reserve Base's 439th Airlift Wing's C-5 aircrew, and staff, family and friends of WMEC, who took on a variety of roles from meal preparation and serving to greeting guests at the door. The Chicopee Knights of Columbus, Council 4044, has donated their facility space for the event for the past eight years, added Chalmers. Participants were treated to a feast including shrimp cocktail, escarole soup, boneless stuffed chicken with gravy, roasted red bliss potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls, beverage and for dessert, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. "The meals were from our caterer who is under contract with us for the daily meals program," said Chalmers. Chalmers also singled out Lisa Lovell, WMEC's nutrition director, who "did a fabulous job in organizing the event as she always does." Chalmers also commended Lovell's nutrition staff and nutritionist Christine Brown for a job well done on ensuring the success of the popular holiday event. |