The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Wolcott Tech students serve hundreds dinner
Annual event a service to the community, organizers say
TORRINGTON — The sun pouring through the windows at Oliver Wolcott Technical High School cafeteria on Thanksgiving Day aptly reflected the mood of those who took part in the school’s 35th annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner.
Staff, students and volunteers were at work in the school’s kitchen and cafeteria preparing and serving a holiday feast. The turkey with all the trimmings was for those in the community less fortunate and alone on one of the year’s most special holidays.
Wolcott Tech’s Thanksgiving Day Dinner was started by the school’s teachers, and guided by Ray Mencio, an electrical teacher, and a pastor from St. Paul’s Church. When Mencio moved to the school’s central office, Mark Eucalitto, a now-retired graphics teacher, took over the program. When Eucalitto retired a
few years back, a team of teachers took control to continue the program.
About 500 meals were served between delivery and those enjoyed in the school cafeteria. There is no charge and anyone who does not have a place to go or those who otherwise will be alone (individuals or families) on Thanksgiving Day are welcome.
“What this does is teaches the kids about community and giving back to those less fortunate,” said Ray Tanquay, the school’s energy tech teacher, athletic director, coach and one of the chief coordinators for the dinner. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years and wouldn’t miss it. We get so much help from the community and business and that is so encouraging. I told someone that we served 500 meals, which is great. But it also shows the need in the area for this type of outreach to those struggling or less fortunate.”
Volunteers June and Jim Anderson were enjoying a bite to eat before they got involved in cleanup chores. Jim and the Andersons’ son, Jon, are Wolcott Tech graduates.
“We could have gone to relations for Thanksgiving dinner but we decided to do something different this year and help out here,” Jim Anderson said.
“It’s so nice that whether you are poor or not, you have a place to go and everyone talks to you and cheers you up and wishes you a happy Thanksgiving,” his wife added.
Senior Teanna Petersen was in the kitchen helping with meals.
“I’ve done this a lot while at Tech and have always enjoyed it. All the students, staff and volunteers are like a family and it’s a nice gesture to the community,” she said.
Senior Emily Engel was dishing out turkey and stuffing at a counter.
“It’s something I enjoy doing,” said Emily. “It’s such a nice feeling to know you are giving back to the community, and being able to do it with my mom makes it that much more special.”
Most of the food was prepared by Mike McDowell and Eddie Dwyer, the school’s chefs.
“The Thanksgiving Day dinner is truly a community event,” said Tanquay. “So many people, groups, and business contribute it’s amazing.”
Among those helping out in various ways this year were St. Paul's Church, the YMCA, the Altrusa Club,
the Litchfield Girl Scouts, the Veneta Society, Valley Community Baptist Church of Avon, and Stop and Shop, Big Y and Market 32 supermarkets. Current students and graduates served the meals to guests.
Among the staff most prominent in the organization and running of the dinner include Tanquay, Jim Pepper, Danielle Quinlan, Ruth Simoncelli, Mike Petroro and Rob Zampaglione, in addition to Dwyer and McDowell.
There certainly were smiles all around as the aroma of turkey and the trimmings filled the air in the school’s cafeteria. Those who donated their time eventually left the school and headed for their Thanksgiving dinners with big smiles on their faces, having experienced a far greater joy than the taste of turkey and stuffing.