A feast for friends

MONTROSE — Hundreds of people stuffed Friendship Hall to the gills Thanksgiving Day, for turkey dinner with all the trimmings and their pick from a whole fleet of pies. Many who came were filled with more than food: they were feasting on community spirit.

“I think it’s great. It’s the only town that I know of where they have a community Thanksgiving dinner for everyone,” said Greg Dearth.

Dearth, of Los Angeles, was visiting his parents, Barbara and Keith Dearth of Montrose. “It ratchets up the spirit. It makes everyone see one another as equals. I hope everyone made a donation,” he said.

Bill Kledus was one of dozens of volunteers. He helped direct crowds at noon, when lines snaked throughout the building. Kledus and his motorcycle club, Wings of Gold, were there to serve others.

“We worked all through this morning. I was amazed how much preparation goes into it. It’s phenomenal,” he said.

“We try to stay as involved in this community as we can.”

Volunteers and diners alike came from all walks of life to enjoy the food, door prizes and entertainment by the Folkloric dancers, Paul Nystrom and Yvonne Meek. Nystrom kicked off the celebration with the help of the Montrose High School NJROTC Color Guard.

This was the 14th annual Thanksgiving Friends Celebration put on by Montrose Community Dinners, Inc. Volunteers began preparations Sunday, cooking close to 100 turkeys and dozens of hams. Also on the menu were corn, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and cranberry sauce, along with both cold and hot drinks. Community Dinners accepted donations, but the meal was offered for free, thanks to volunteers, organizers, donors and sponsors.

Organizers said previously they expected to feed around 2,000 or more people this year; a final count was not available by Thursday’s deadline.