Ridgewood’s Annual Elder Dinner has welcomed older adults for an afternoon of friendship, entertainment, and a Thanksgiving feast celebrating gratitude, connection, and the joy of sharing a meal. 

More Than a Meal  

As Thanksgiving approaches, most of us reflect on family traditions, favorite recipes, and gathering around the table. In Ridgewood, this extends beyond individual homes and invites the broader community to celebrate together. 

Each year, the Elder Dinner welcomes seniors for an afternoon of companionship, musical entertainment, and a homemade Thanksgiving meal, all provided at no cost. The event is open to all older adults and offers something that becomes increasingly valuable for seniors—social connection. 

The Old Paramus Reformed Church will host the event, where volunteers and local musical groups will once again create a memorable holiday tradition. This year’s festivities will be held Sunday, Nov. 15, from 3 to 5 pm. 

“From its humble beginnings to the vibrant, bustling celebration, now in its eleventh year, the dinner continues to open its doors with the warmest of welcomes,” says Deanna Schablik, recreation program administrator for seniors. “As this event grows year after year, so does its impact—serving as a beautiful reminder to all of Ridgewood that our elders are the foundational heartbeat of our community.” 

Organized through a public-private partnership of local organizations, volunteers, and community leaders, the dinner has become a holiday staple in Ridgewood. Even through the pandemic, volunteers loaded meals into vehicles and delivered them directly to seniors’ homes. 

That dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the program earned the prestigious Daniel M. Gasalberti Excellence in Recreation Program Award from the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association, recognizing its impact and significance within the community. 

A Healthier Thanksgiving Feast 

At the heart of the celebration is a meal that feels comfortingly familiar: turkey breast, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cranberry sauce, apple crisp with ice cream, cornbread, hot apple cider, coffee, and tea. Yet behind the traditional menu is a thoughtful commitment to health and nutrition.

Stacey Antine leads the meal prep, supported by volunteers from the Ridgewood Parks & Recreation Department, HealthBarn Foundation, Age Friendly Ridgewood, and the Civic Youth Corps, along with local businesses and generous community members. Volunteers spend days preparing ingredients, cooking, and serving a Thanksgiving feast that honors tradition with a nutritious approach. 

The result is a meal that reflects the spirit of Thanksgiving without sacrificing wellness, proving that holiday favorites can be both nourishing and satisfying. 

“Our volunteers show up, shift after shift, even during the busiest season of the year, to make sure our Elder Dinner is delicious, nutritious, and filled with care, says Antine, Founder of HealthBarn USA. It’s truly one of the best feel-good events in Ridgewood—and a beautiful reminder of what happens when a community comes together.” 

It Takes a Village 

While guests may only experience a few hours of celebration, the Elder Dinner represents months of planning and collaboration. 

Such cooperation is part of what makes the dinner special—it’s a community effort, reflecting the shared belief that everyone deserves a place at the table during the holiday season. 

“Our dinner is the highlight of the season as we gather Ridgewood’s older adults together and reflect on our gratitude for our wonderful community,” says Sheila Brogan of the Ridgewood Board of Education. “Age Friendly Ridgewood, the Village of Ridgewood’s Parks and Recreation Department, HealthBarn, and student volunteers make for a dynamic team that makes this annual event extra special for our older adults. It is service to our community personified!” 

For longtime attendees, the Elder Dinner has become much more than a date on the calendar. 

Some return to reconnect with friends they may not see often. Others look forward to meeting new people, enjoying the music performed by local students, or simply spending a few hours surrounded by warmth and conversation. 

The event fosters friendships, strengthens community ties, and creates countless memories over the years. It has become a tradition that many attendees consider an essential part of their holiday season. 

Donna Van Riper of Ridgewood enjoys many of the Village’s programs for seniors—especially the Elder Dinner. “It’s created a wonderful opportunity for those who do not have family nearby to have that sense of family and to celebrate with each other,” she says. 

In an era when authentic connection can feel difficult to find, the Elder Dinner reminds us what Thanksgiving is truly about—community, gratitude, and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. 

The food may bring people to the table, but it is the friendship that keeps them coming back. 

The event’s guest list fills up quickly. Register here: register.capturepoint.com/ridgewood.

Stacey Antine’s Better-for-You Cranberry Orange Relish 

A fresh and flavorful alternative to canned cranberry sauce. 

This harvest cranberry orange relish side is super fresh, easy to make, and not loaded with sugar! Fresh cranberries are notoriously tart, and sugar helps make these nutritious berries edible! We cut the sugar in half by using agave nectar but still maintained the sweetness. This relish helps boost the body’s immune system because it’s loaded with vitamin C. Enjoy! 

Ingredients: 

1 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries 

1 navel orange, unpeeled 

½ cup agave nectar 

Directions: 

1. Place ½ the bag of fresh cranberries and the whole navel orange in the food processor and pulse until the mixture is evenly chopped. Add remaining cranberries and pulse until finely chopped. 

2. Transfer to a bowl and stir in agave nectar until evenly mixed and sweet to taste. 

3. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Makes 12 servings (1⁄4 cup per serving). 

Nutrition Facts per serving: 60 calories; 0g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 16g carbohydrate (0g fiber, 13g sugar); 0g protein; 0mg sodium; 25% DV vitamin C.