ORR Junior High plans 33rd annual senior Thanksgiving dinner

Old Rochester Regional School District announced that Old Rochester Regional Junior High School will host its 33rd annual Thanksgiving Dinner for senior citizens on Sunday, Nov. 22. Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and ORRJHS Principal Silas Coellner announced the event, which is open to senior citizens from Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.

Doors at the ORRJHS cafeteria will open at 11:15 a.m., with the meal beginning at noon. The dinner is sponsored by the ORRJHS community, with families and community members donating turkeys, pies and door prizes.

There are 300 tickets available, 100 per town, to be distributed through each town's Council on Aging. Meals will also be available for homebound seniors; residents can request one by contacting their local Council on Aging with the recipient's name and address.

"The annual Thanksgiving Dinner is an opportunity for our school community to give back to the eldest residents of Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester," Coellner said. "I am always grateful to see so many staff and student volunteers participating in this event."

Director of Guidance Christina Cioffi said the event strengthens intergenerational bonds in the Tri-Town region, noting that students and staff serving the meal get a chance to connect with people they might not otherwise meet.

Last year, about 200 seniors attended the dinner, which was staffed by more than 40 staff members and 36 student volunteers.

Superintendent Nelson said he looks forward to welcoming Tri-Town seniors back for the 33rd annual banquet, calling it "a day of gratitude and positivity."

Businesses and individuals interested in donating money or door prizes can contact ORRJHS at 508-758-4928 and ask to speak with Cioffi.

Source: Old Rochester Regional School District announcement, October 30, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.