PEABODY — Senior Day at Brooksby Farm, one of the city’s most popular events, attracted a crowd of nearly 400 seniors Tuesday after being put on hold during the pandemic.
“Senior Day was sorely missed these past two years,” said Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. “We are so grateful that we could once again welcome people to Brooksby Farm for food, music, fun and friendship in the great outdoors.”
Attendees were treated to a grilled hot dog lunch, ice cream and apple crisp served by an assortment of city department heads and volunteers. They danced to live music and took wagon hay rides through the farm orchards and also had the opportunity to tour some of the Peabody Historical Society’s historic buildings located on site. The Brooksby Farm country store was buzzing with activity.
Truth be told, Senior Day had something for everyone, including flu shots administered by the Peabody Health Department. The shots were in high demand.
“We usually get about 120 to 130 or so, but this year we gave 150 doses, which is a lot,” said Peabody Public Health Nurse Chassea Robinson. “It was a really good turnout for a cold fall day and it was wonderful to be back at the event. To be able to see Peabody’s seniors outside enjoying the food and a nice fall day was great, especially being able to help keep them healthy with their flu shots.”
Rep. Thomas Walsh was one of those getting the shot.
“It was great to see and talk with as many people as I could and I also took advantage of the opportunity to get my flu shot,” he said. “Once again, a group of volunteers coordinated through the mayor’s office created a really positive, upbeat community event for our seniors.”
Other local elected officials in attendance included City Councilors Stephanie Peach (Ward 3), Julie Daigle (Ward 4) and Peter McGinn (Ward 1) as well as Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger and Governor’s Council member Eileen Duff.
“The weather was perfect, maybe just a little cool, but there was a great turnout and everyone seemed so positive and happy to come out after the pandemic years,” Daigle said. “Brooksby Farm was very organized with plenty of vendors and hayrides and people really enjoyed it. I wish we could have Senior Day once a week every week of the year because it’s great to meet so many new faces.”
Lovely said it was “wonderful to connect with our seniors at another phenomenal Senior Day at Brooksby Farm. (I’m) honored to celebrate this North Shore tradition after a 2-year hiatus alongside Rep. Walsh, Sheriff Coppinger, Mayor Bettencourt and the Peabody City Council. The Peabody Council on Aging and their incredible team of volunteers did a tremendous job, and I look forward to celebrating this annual event again next year.”
Representatives from the new North Shore Children’s Museum, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Peabody Veteran Services, Green Peabody, National Parks, Peabody Municipal Light Plant and the Peabody Municipal Light Plant were on hand to answer residents’ questions and distribute information.
Chief of Staff Chris Ryder said it was great to see so many people laughing, having a good time and dancing.
“It was such a happy day for everyone and I was thrilled to see everyone having such a good time,” Ryder said. “Everyone had plenty to eat and even the rain held off, so it definitely was a successful day.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
