OGUNQUIT (WGME) – On Christmas Day, the Ogunquit fire station hosted a community holiday meal which was open to everyone. For people like Nancy Valenti, the holiday season can be difficult, especially if they are alone. However, having a place to go with people to share the day with can make all the difference. Fire Chief Russell Osgood and his wife Lynn Osgood wanted to provide exactly that. They knew that some members of the community might be alone on Christmas, so they offered a place to go with a meal to eat and some company to enjoy.
The couple bought all the food themselves and expected around 70 people to attend. The menu included turkey, stuffing, squash, potatoes, gravy and other delicious treats. Hosting this dinner has been a tradition for them for the past three years, and they are happy to be able to give back to the community in this way. They believe that they have the ability to give, and as long as they can, they will continue to do so.
Joanne Lamothe, who came to the event alone, was pleased to receive a warm meal and the chance to meet new faces. She said, “I’m a people person, so if I meet new people along the way, I’m all good with that.” The Osgoods’ gift to the community has helped many people, like Lamothe, to enjoy the holidays and not feel alone.
