Annual Rotary “Pasta Supper” Feeds 80 at Central Park Terrace

Above, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen dons an apron to help out at the Pasta Supper.

It’s a tradition that began at the Franklin Rotary some 31 years ago and, except for a two-year pandemic absence, has been going strong ever since. Members of the Franklin Rotary organized and spearheaded the event, a Pasta Supper, for residents of the Municipal Housing. State Representative Jeff Roy and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen agreed to pitch in along young volunteers, sixth graders from the Lion’s Heart organization.

Rotary sponsors included Dean Bank, MTP Communications, Inc., Vendetti Motors, Franklin Car Wash, Vallee’s Jewelers, Jimmy D’s, and Paul Raffaelle.

And, as always, gifted amateur chef, Dan Gentile, kicked off preparations at his home around 9:30 AM on Thursday. He had most of the groceries waiting for Rotary volunteers to prepare homemade meatballs and sauce. Then, early in the afternoon, the team moved to the Franklin Housing Authority Community Hall, to continue with preparations. Guests from the Housing Authority and beyond begin arriving at 5pm, and dinner service began at 5:30pm. A number of individuals unable to come in person had meals delivered. More than 80 full meals were served.

Below, the Rotary team doing prep work