Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — Community spirit was as plentiful as food at an annual Thanksgiving dinner at VFW Post 3673 in Bessemer.
“We figure we have about 225 people dining inside,” said VFW Quartermaster John Frello to a crowd of folks clapping in response on Nov. 23. “If anybody leaves here hungry, it’s your fault.”
Frello added that an additional 200 people were getting takeouts.
“Something like this doesn’t happen without a large number of volunteers,” he said.
Frello told The Globe that “probably 40 or 50 people” were present that day to help with kitchen duty, deliveries, clean-up and other chores. Some also had worked on previous days to set up the meal.
Frello said the event was intended for anyone wishing to attend. He said that might include folks who had no family in town or who were unable to cook or who did not wish to do so. He added that some folks also may not find the preparation of a big meal affordable.
For those folks unable to travel to the site, Frello said that deliveries were arranged.
There was abundant food available.
“Between the ham and turkey, we have about 325 pounds, plus hundreds of pounds of potatoes and sweet potatoes,” said Frello.
The meal was fully traditional, including expected side dishes such as stuffing and gravy, corn, cranberries, rolls and relish trays.
Desserts included a spread of pies, cakes, cupcakes and bars in various flavors.
Linda Malmberg of Bessemer was in charge of organizing sweets, but added that other volunteers “outdid themselves.”
As volunteer David Darrow of Ironwood invited the crowd to line up at the buffet, others were working hard behind the scenes to keep the food flowing. VFW Commander Donna Frello was quietly overseeing the action as Shatha Beauchamp of Bessemer and Tim Davis of Ironwood were among those providing additional food to the buffet tables as needed.
Beauchamp said she worked with Donna Frello to start up the first Thanksgiving meal in 2017.
By the second year, she said donations started rolling in from local organizations and businesses.
“Everybody helps, and that’s what counts — a lot of teamwork,” said Jerald Rocco of Wakefield, who was busy washing dishes and pots.
There were many smiles from volunteers, as well as from the folks attending.
“I love it,” said Rocco, who introduced Pete and Gail Armichardy of Bessemer, who were providing takeouts to passing cars, and Jessica Riutta, who laughed about doing “whatever they tell me to do.”
The event also included an empty setting to symbolize each one of America’s POWs that remain unaccounted.
“As of this morning, there are still 80,000 whose whereabouts are not known,” said John Frello.
He noted that “a large part” of the VFW’s mission is community involvement. Members and volunteers also offer other activities such as Christmas and Easter events and Honor Flight opportunities.
“From the organization’s standpoint, it makes us feel good just to be able to help,” said Frello while smiling at the happy crowd.
