Wednesday was merry at the Mayor’s annual Senior Holiday Party in Morristown.
And it wasn’t just holiday cheer, either.
“How about Alabama!” Mayor Tim Dougherty declared through his microphone, to cheers from retirees who packed the seniors center for a sumptuous buffet, raffle prizes and festive tunes from deejay Pete Limone Jr.
The Mayor referred to Tuesday’s Senate race, in which Democrat Doug Jones narrowly edged GOP candidate Roy Moore, who had denied accusations of sexual misconduct.
Mostly, however, attendees were focused on camaraderie, and stacks of meatballs and cupcakes donated by area restaurants.
“Delicious!” said LeRoy Aiken. “And you can’t beat the price.”
Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin
Volunteers from town hall and beyond lent a hand.
“I really enjoy this. It’s giving back to the community,” said Stephanie Gorman, serving a plate of food to Marvalyn Foster. Gorman works for the Morris County Office of Health Management, a contractor to the town.
Salway and Tareq al-Majdi, Iraqi immigrants who became U.S. citizens, were happy, too.
“You have no idea of the problems we saw in Iraq,” Salway said. “In comparison, this is heaven!”
The Mayor had kudos for the 23 businesses and organizations that contributed food or raffle prizes, and for organizer Wayne Cresta and his team in the town seniors department.
“I’m happy so many seniors braved the cold for some holiday cheer,” said Dougherty, emceeing his eighth annual seniors holiday gathering, with help from Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty. There were many familiar faces.
“”The most rewarding part over eight years is seeing a lot of seniors, and knowing they’re still doing okay,” the Mayor said.