To the Editor,
I would like to thank all in attendance at this year’s 117th Annual Elder Brethren Picnic at the Chowder House at Tuck’s Point. I’d also like to thank Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, who really did an amazing job as this year’s guest speaker. It was such a great community event and our hope is we continue the momentum next year with more residents attending this long and great tradition.
This year we presented our Elder Brethren cane to Russell Aldrich, a traditional “townie” and great friend to the picnic for years. Since our event, I was asked several times why the cane this year was not presented to Gordon MacDougal, Manchester’s oldest living resident. Good question. Mr. Aldrich received the cane because is it is traditionally presented to the “oldest gentleman“ who in attendance that day at our “Old Timer’s Picnic.” Gordon had just come home from a recent stay in a rehab center, and since he’s received the cane several times over the years, he thought it would be nice to share with another “old timer.” (Thanks Gordon.)
I’d also like to thank the entire board of the Elder Brethren, their hard work and dedication made this year’s event a wonderful experience and I’m looking forward to my second year as president next year.
Todd Crane
President, Manchester Elder Brethren
