Free Thanksgiving Dinner for Seniors This Friday

With the holiday season underway, the Union City Lions Club is holding an event Friday night that exemplifies the true spirit of giving.

Now a decades-long tradition, the Union City Lions Club will hold its , starting at 5 p.m. on Nov. 18 at James Logan High School. The event is free.

Each year, the Lions Club serves up a feast for local seniors. Established by the late Al Roderigues and his wife Marcella, the first dinner was held in 1978 with 50 in attendance.

Now, with the help of and , the Lions Club feeds about 400 senior residents.

The dinner comes with all the fixings: dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie for dessert.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner starting at 6 p.m. But don’t worry about eating too much — you can sweat it off on the dance floor!

At 8 p.m., the floor will be cleared for 1940s-style swing dancing and live big band music from the U.S.S. Hornet Band.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Though the annual event is typically held at the Ruggieri Senior Center, this year’s event will be held in the James Logan High School cafeteria due to remodeling at the senior center.

To help those planning to attend, the Lions Club has provided these helpful tips for guests:

• There are two other events at Logan on Friday night, so parking will be limited. Rainy weather is also expected. Plan accordingly.
• Those with walking limitations should arrive early to get a spot close to the entrance near the Logan cafeteria.
• Overflow parking is plentiful in the main lot.
• You may drop people off near the entrance, and then go park the car.