By Jefferson Siegel
A newly formed group, Neighborhood Cares, held a community-oriented Thanks-giving Dinner on Thursday. Little if anything is known about the group. A man who said he was the dinner organizer declined to give his name or talk about Neighborhood Cares.
Maureen Remacle, president of the Sixth Precinct Community Council, was also tight-lipped.
“A few years ago they did this at the Red Lion,” she said, referring to a community-oriented Thanksgiving dinner for locals. “This is New York and nobody has a big apartment. The goal was to have a nice community dinner. This is a nice community.”
Regarding the organizing group, all Remacle would say was “The best charity is one where you give and you’re never going to get anything back.”
When pressed on the group, she added, “Sometimes a good mystery is a good thing.”
The quality of food was remarkable. Fresh turkey, stuffing, broccoli, carrots, green beans and mashed and sweet potatoes were enjoyed by dozens of diners. Awaiting them for dessert were five large sheet cakes and dozens of apple, pumpkin, pecan and other pies. All were served on fine china and with real silverware.
Two musicians serenaded the diners on violin and keyboard with classical tunes as well as pop standards (think “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme from “Titanic.”)
The dinner was held in the basement assembly room of St. Anthony’s Church at Sullivan and Houston Sts. The dinner organizer did say they hope to do this yearly.
