One of the hidden gems in town is the Veterans Breakfast at the Senior Center, and I think some people either do not know about it or may have the wrong idea about who it is for.
Do you need to be a senior? Absolutely not. Veterans of all ages are welcome and celebrated.
What does it cost? It is free.
Is it good? No, it is excellent.
John Ray and I serve coffee, and a whole crew of other volunteers help serve, clean up, and play music while veterans enjoy some real community. The veterans there are wonderful to sit and speak with. They have lived many lives had incredible experiences, and you can learn a lot just by spending time with them.
John is a veteran. I am not. I am simply a volunteer, and I look forward to this every month.
There are also usually town officials, police, and medical staff there to speak with veterans and offer information. I have learned a lot just by being in the room.
The kitchen team is a well-oiled machine. They work together in harmony and turn out some of the best food around. Everyone there truly cares, and the whole mission is simple: thank you for your service.
So if you are under 60, please come. If you are over 60, please come. If you are a veteran, this is a wonderful way to start your day: free food, friendly faces, and people who genuinely want to thank you for your service.
As a side Chelmsford note to this, I had one of those moments that just makes you smile.
The Triangle Store just opened up in North Chelmsford and they fly a Marine flag outside. I stopped in on my way to grab coffee to invite him to the Veterans Breakfast. He is a veteran, but also the cook, and the store is owned by him and his son. Just genuinely nice people.
I let him know that you do not have to be a senior to attend and encouraged him to come and also spread the word to other veterans that he is there and part of the community.
Small family-owned businesses are the backbone of quality of life in Chelmsford, so I always try to help get the word out when I can.
Well, the owner said, “wait a second,” and came back out with two boxes of pastries and donuts and asked me to put them out for his fellow veterans.
That made me smile. That is respect. And that is why I will stop in there whenever I can.
That father and son team is going to be a real asset to the town and the community.
Welcome.