Marion town employees were treated to a free lunch on Thursday when they were invited over to Bicentennial Park for a cookout. The event was hosted by the Board of Selectmen, with newly elected selectman, Jody Dickerson flipping burgers at the grill.
The employee event started at noon and ended at 2:00 pm. An ambulance, fire truck and a Department of Public Works vehicle were parked along Spring Street on the sunny afternoon.
“We did this many years ago but then it stopped,” said Carol Brown, a town employee. “It’s great that they’ve revived it.”
Employees sat at picnic tables under white tent canopies and enjoyed hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, salads, chips, cookies, cold water and soda.
“This is great that they are doing this for town employees…it’s nice to get a thank you,” said Brown.
Dickerson came up with the idea and worked with fellow selectmen Steve Cushing and John Henry as well as Paul Dawson, Town Administrator.
Later that evening, another cookout was held for any member of any town board. Over 60 people attended the event, including board members from the Council on Aging, Conservation Commission, Cultural Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Selectmen, Board of Health, Marion School Committee, Alternative Energy, Recreation Board, Pathways Committee, Cemetery Commission, Elizabeth Taber Library and Upper Cape Vocational Technical Board representatives.
“We want to thank everyone who volunteers to come out, often in the evening, away from their families at the dinner hour, to serve on committees in our town,” said Dawson. ” We appreciate their service.”
“We want to say thank you, from the Town of Marion, to all of you for your commitment and service to the town,” said Henry.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
