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Massachusetts
Knights of Columbus in Chicopee provides Thanksgiving meals to western Massachusetts communities
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – This Thanksgiving, the Knights of Columbus in Chicopee embodied the spirit of giving by providing free meals to the western Massachusetts community, during their annual dinner.
Dozens of volunteers came together to prepare and serve meals to families giving them a moment of joy and warmth on this special holiday. The Castle of Knights opened its doors once again to those who may not have a place to go or a meal to eat on Thanksgiving. Families were able to gather around tables, share a delicious meal, and connect with others.
“I love it, I was here last year and I was looking forward to being here this year,” said Butta Wilke of Chicopee.
“It’s real neat because there’s only two of us and it’s just nice to be with other people,” added Jane Parent of West Springfield.
Volunteers put in countless hours in the kitchen at the Knights of Columbus to turn thousands of pounds of turkey into thousands of meals for both at the hall and delivery. It’s been about five days of cooking turkeys, the prep crew gets here about like midnight, 18-hundred takeouts when out this morning, it’s just absolutely insane,” said volunteer, Scott Dubey.
This was all made possible through the amount of fundraisers Knights of Columbus put on throughout the year and comes at a time when families grapple with rising food prices. “People are hurting and that’s what we’re here for. That’s what the Knight of Columbus does year round we do donations to kitchens year round and all that, and everyone that needs it. We help out,” said Grand Knight at Knights of Columbus, Ron Grenier.
By providing free meals, the Knight of Columbus is not only easing the financial burden for families but also spreading kindness and cheer. “People need some help and some friendship and compassion, and I think that’s where we’re missing a lot of things in life we just gotta take a minute, take a breath and remember that’s all people need,” added Dubey.
This event shows that a small act of generosity can make a big impact in someone’s life.
Organizers say they are deeply grateful for the volunteers who’ve generously given their time and efforts, making this a memorable Thanksgiving celebration for all.
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it helps to know what urgent care clinics are open during the holidays.
Several factors play a role in why urgent cares are closed on holidays, despite hours typically saying clinics are open every day of the year. Paying employees on a day that might see a low patient turnout can impact a clinic’s profits, while staffing could also be short as employees take the day off to spend time with their families, according to the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine.
But on Thanksgiving, several urgent care clinics remain open in case of an emergency. Here are the clinics open on the holiday.
Central Massachusetts
ReadyMED PLUS
While all other ReadyMED locations are closed on Thanksgiving, the Worcester location is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-in appointments are accepted, but patients can check wait times online. The location is 366 Shrewsbury St., and the phone number is 508- 595-2700.
UMass Memorial Health
The urgent care clinic in Leominster is open on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Professionals ask that patients call the clinic before they arrive. The phone number is 978-466-8820 and the clinic is located at 510 North Main St.
Eastern Massachusetts
American Family Care Arlington
The clinic will be open until 2 p.m., but X-rays are not always available. The center is located at 1398 Massachusetts Ave., Unit #31 in Arlington. To make an appointment call 781-648-4572.
American Family Care Watertown
The clinic is open until 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Appointments are available until 7:40 p.m., but X-rays are not always available. The clinic is located at 376 Arsenal St., Watertown. Patients can make appointments here. The phone number is 617-923-2273.
American Family Care Waltham
The clinic is open until 2 p.m. and offers appointments until 1:15 p.m. It is located at 1030 Main St., Waltham. Patients can make appointments here. The phone number is 781-894-6900.
Carbon Health
Clinics located at the following locations are taking appointments from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.:
75 Spring St, West Roxbury
573 Worcester Rd, Framingham
Patients can make an appointment for both locations here.
Norwood Urgent Care
Located at 103 Providence Highway (Route 1) Walpole, the clinic is open. until 4 p.m. Patients can walk in or make an appointment by calling 781-255-0500.
PhysicianOne Urgent Care Chestnut Hill
This clinic is accepting in-person appointments until 1:45 p.m. and video appointments until 11 p.m. Patients can schedule appointments here. The clinic is located at 1210 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill. The phone number is 860-650-3848.
Western Massachusetts
Baystate Health
The Baystate Health urgent care clinic located in Springfield is open on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., though professionals recommend calling ahead to make an appointment. The phone number is 413-794-0000 and the clinic is located at 3400 Main St., Suite 1.
Priority Urgent Care
This clinic, located at 1505 Memorial Drive in Chicopee, is open on Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patients can book an appointment and secure a time slot online.
Springfield Clinic
While all physician and business offices are closed, Prompt Care Main is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Prompt Care Main clinic is located at 1025 South 6th St. The phone number is 447-448-3041.
TAUNTON – Mother Nature is trying to put a wrench in Thanksgiving traditions like football and other big events, but the expected wet weather is not dampening most spirits.
In Taunton, the showdown between the Taunton Tigers and the Milford Scarlet Hawks has been a Thanksgiving tradition going four years strong.
“I think it’s a big game because we’re keeping up with our Tiger tradition and I think it’s important to all the seniors this being their last game together and it’s a great way to celebrate everyone’s Thanksgiving,” said cheerleader Reileigh Carter.
Thanksgiving game moved to Wednesday
But this year the lights are on a day earlier since Mother Nature put a twist in the plans. The torrential rain moving in Thanksgiving Day forced the game to be moved up to Wednesday night.
It’s a bittersweet move for senior football mom Melissa Gilfoy. “I’m a little upset; it’s his last game of, ever and it’s a tradition to have it on Thanksgiving and we’ve played in the rain and the storms and the bad weather, so it’s just kind of upsetting that it’s their last game,” said Gilfoy.
But given the big turnout on Thanksgiving Eve, some band parents didn’t mind. “It’s a little different being on a Wednesday night but tomorrow morning we’ll probably be happy that we were here tonight,” said dad Gregory Gay.
Milford beat Taunton 42-41 Wednesday night.
Wilmington and Tewksbury are going to gamble with the rain to keep the 91st rivalry on Thanksgiving. “We’ll be fine, you make adjustments,” said Tewksbury Athletic Director Ron Drouin. “You make good memories for them.”
Feaster Five Road Race in Andover
In Andover, it’s still a turkey trot for 7,000 runners in the 37th annual Feaster Five Road Race, even if the run is a washout.
“We had one year when it was like the wind chills were down below zero. That was tough,” said volunteer Will Meredith.
Even though traditions have been twisted, they’re trying to not let the rain, rain on their Thanksgiving parades.
“I think it was good to have it today, instead of tomorrow,” said Carter. “I think it’s very beneficial because we can also spend time with our family tomorrow.
“Sleep in, stay warm,” laughed Gilfoy.
The Feaster Five is set to begin at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving.
Tammy Mutasa
Four teenagers were indicted this week following an attack on a disabled man in a Massachusetts town.
The Massachusetts town of Danvers has come together in support of the beloved community member with developmental disabilities, following allegations that he was brutally attacked by a group of teenagers last month.
The Indictment
Four teenagers were charged this week in connection with the assault on Christopher “Ducky” Anderson, a well-known figure in the community, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday. The suspects, three 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old, have been indicted, while warrants have been issued for two additional juveniles allegedly involved in the attack.
The Attack on Anderson
Anderson was hospitalized with broken ribs and other injuries after authorities said a group of teens lured him into the woods, where they kicked him and threw a bicycle on him.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images
City detectives and school police collaborated with the office of District Attorney Paul F. Tucker to identify and charge the teenagers involved, Tucker said in a statement. While authorities have identified the four suspects, their names have not been released due to their status as minors.
Danvers Police Chief Jamie Lovell expressed gratitude to Anderson, his family and the community “for their unwavering support, patience, and understanding during this challenging process.”
Community Response
The attack on Anderson has sparked an outpouring of community support, NBC10 Boston reported, with residents organizing a fundraiser and local firefighters visiting him in solidarity. Anderson, a familiar and cherished figure in the town of over 28,000, is well-known for his presence around the community.
In the days following the attack, residents packed a Select Board meeting to call for stronger police action against a group of 10 to 15 teenagers who “run amok,” one attendee described the situation.
Among those who addressed the board was Anderson himself.
“It just breaks my heart every day,” Anderson said while speaking to the board. “And I can’t sleep at night time. And it’s hard. Can you guys do more for me, please?”
Antoinette Anderson, Christopher “Ducky” Anderson’s mother, urged the Select Board to take action against the teenagers, saying she “wanted something done” about those “who go and damn near kill my son.”
Speaking later to NBC10 Boston, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support her son has received from the community.
“I cannot believe how well they have treated him,” Anderson’s mother added while speaking to NBC 10 Boston.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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