Tradition.
That is what Steve Boykos said is the reason why First Church Congregational has been hosting a dinner celebrating George Washington’s birthday for 144 years.
“It’s a community event for us and everyone enjoys being together,” he said.
The United States’ first president, George Washington, was born Feb. 22, 1732 and First Church was founded in 1729.
Guests were welcomed to the dinner by George Washington and his wife Martha, portrayed by Councilor At-large Ryan DiZoglio and Nicole D’Angelo. Volunteers devoted hours in the kitchen, preparing the spread which included freshly roasted turkey, baked ham, baked haddock and loads of side dishes – all enjoyed in the hall of the historic church. Children and young adult church members served drinks and apple crisp for dessert to the guests.
Shortly after the kitchen was cleaned and the hall was emptied, the church’s Facebook page read, “A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our volunteers and especially to our wonderful guests! The dinner was a raging success!!”
~ Yadira Betances Muldoon
The dinner’s kitchen crew (from left) are Minister of Music Mike Boutin; Carol Sandborn, who was in charge of the kitchen, Chris Albrecht and Josh Ferry, chair of the church board.
Henry Sanborn was one of the volunteers at the George Washington Birthday Dinner.
Josh Ferry stirs a vat of string beans.
Haleigh Sanborn provides service with a smile.
This year, guests of honor George Washigton and Martha Washington were portrayed by DiZoglio and D’Angelo.
