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By John Darling For the Daily Tidings November 25. 2014 2:00AM Ashland firefighters cook for seniors at Thanksgiving feast Ashland Firefighter Marshall Rasor serves seniors during the 6th annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Ashland Senior Center on Monday. Photo by Larry Stauth Jr. Kids pranced about, begging for huge dollops of whipped cream on their pumpkin pie, Joe Acosta played romantic tunes on the piano, and firefighters served up turkey, ham, green bean casserole and more to 90 people Monday evening at the 6th annual Thanksgiving feast at Ashland Senior Center. Overseeing a structure fire all morning, Battalion Chief Dana Sallee almost didn’t make it in time to cook his seven turkey breasts, but finally did arrive at the gala occasion where firefighters get to give back to the community and see older folks in a social setting, rather than on emergency calls, says Chief John Karns. “It brings together all our families and we get to support all the older folks and swap stories,” said Karns, who cooked the green bean casserole. “They’re such a big component of our community and it’s nice to see them in this relaxed, fun environment.” Taking a break from his piano, Acosta said, “The food is great, everything’s good and the people are friendly.” The list for the event only runs to 90 people, because of space, but there were enough interested to add more, said Christine Dodson, the city’s Senior Program Director. “Everyone loves to mix with the firefighters and their families,” says Dodson. “Older adults, children, spouses of firefighters. It’s a big melting pot.” “Thanksgiving is great here," Longtime Ashland resident Hank Kneebone said. "When I cooked it alone, it didn’t turn out so good. I’m alone now and no good at cooking.” The Senior Center serves a $2.50 lunch on weekdays and will do another Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, which is Thanksgiving eve, said Dorothy Parsons. “This dinner is very good, all of it. Love the green bean casserole and we love the firefighters. We’re so glad to see them out of their workplace.” “It’s wonderful food and service and we love the firefighters," said attendee Sarah Titus. "My favorite this year is the pumpkin pie with whipped cream. It’s too bad we only get it once a year.” Karns brought the idea of a firefighter-senior Thanksgiving feast from his previous such job, he said in earlier festivities. All the firefighters and their families grouped up for a selfie shot at the end of the evening. John Darling is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Email him at [email protected] http://www.dailytidings.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141129888 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->