The Seventh Annual Beloved Thanksgiving Feast

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Early last week, Kathryn Smith diligently researched where community Thanksgiving meals were happening in the Newburgh area on Thursday, and when one in particular popped up on her computer, she was immediately sold on where she was going.

“When I saw Vesuvio’s was holding a Thanksgiving meal event, right away, I got very excited; I have heard from so many people how good the food is there and couldn’t wait to go.”

Smith, like so many others who attended the 7th Annual Newburgh Community Thanksgiving Feast-with dining in or take-out options and generously sponsored by Vesuvio’s Ristorante and Papaleo’s Auto Body, Inc. on Thanksgiving Day- could not have been more elated to have made the choice to join in on the festivities at the Sacred Heart Parish Center’s gym, located at 24 South Robinson Avenue in the City of Newburgh.

“The food is just so, so good, really amazing,” said Smith as she enjoyed some sweet potatoes and expressed further joy over the snazzy blue jacket with her favorite color purple lining she had selected just prior to enjoying her satisfying meal. “The volunteers are very friendly and helpful with anything you need assistance with, and it’s just such a happy environment, really making for a wonderful Thanksgiving; life is good.”

It’s that very feeling Pete Vesuvio yearned to create with his guests when he envisioned the holiday community meal idea. Teaming up with Pat Papaleo, Vesuvio, along with their two families, aspired to give back-this time of the year- to the community they love so much. Doing an assortment of other philanthropic gestures throughout the year, Vesuvio knows the critical need as well as the first-hand, very tangible impact of these united efforts aimed at bonding and uplifting the community.

“Not everyone is as fortunate as other people,” said Vesuvio. “So, this is our way of making people feel wanted and letting them know there is always hope; it just makes me feel good to see people eating and with smiles on their faces”

Everywhere one looked inside the Sacred Heart space Thursday, those visible signs of joy resonated. Whether it was enjoying the homemade turkey feast, complete with all the trimmings; savoring a hot cup of fresh coffee with one of a multitude of scrumptious desserts compliments of Rockland Bakery; selecting a piece of warm clothing, coat or jacket from one of the many tables and racks; or simply reclining with community neighbors, engaging in united-at times healing- communication while being soothed by the medley of holiday tunes filling the gym’s airwaves, guests were embracing all the precious gifts of community while reveling in the spirit of the season: gratitude.

“There’s just something about getting out of the house and meeting people in Newburgh, something that happened a lot during COVID, and it brought back a real appreciation for doing things together, so it’s just so nice to see it continuing with events like this even after COVID,” said City of Newburgh resident, Brian Tuitt, who was attending the meal for his third year. “Even though Newburgh is going through some changes, the need for community to get together, while interacting and supporting one another is still so important.”

That integral human interaction and support resides at the epicenter of the numerous, dedicated volunteers of the event, many young people-from both the Vesuvio and Papaleo families- along with others-who have learned early on the potent rewards of selfless service.

“Giving back to our community is so rewarding,” said 6th year volunteer, Stevie Walker, whose dad manages Rockland Bakery who donated an impressive, wide selection of delicious, homemade pies, muffins and brownies for dessert. “Over the years, I have really enjoyed getting to know and engage with the people we serve; they are just so appreciative.”

That unwavering gratitude runs deep, entwined on multiple levels with this event whose lasting, positive imprint is felt by so many.

“These Vesuvio and Papaleo families are absolutely amazing with what they do; all of their children are involved in this event and not once have they ever complained about being bored or wanting to go home; they all just work really hard,” said longtime volunteer, Pat, who was serving meals. “Last year, after the Feast they loaded up trucks with takeouts and looked for people on the streets of Newburgh that needed meals and handed them out; I’m just so impressed by what they do to help others, their community, and I can’t say enough about them.”