Murphy family hosts Senior Holiday Party
Published on December 6th, 2006
STONEHAM, MA -Three-years-ago, Montvale Plaza owner Marty Murphy swooped into a Selectmen meeting to save a storied Christmas tradition threatened by Stoneham's reoccurring budget woes.
And although no such announcement was made this year, the local businessman, who has never forgotten Town Meeting's support a few years ago when a land court decision threatened to shutter the Montvale Plaza's doors, silently ensured that the Selectmen's annual senior citizen Christmas party occurred.
Dressed in a gray suit, capped off with a now traditional Santa Claus hat, the Medford native quietly inspected the work of volunteers and his employees in the kitchen area of the Montvale Plaza this Monday as an estimated 320 guests enjoyed chicken pot pie, mashed potatoes, rolls, coffee, and pastry deserts at the holiday party.
"I just called [Selectman Chair] Bob Sweeney to let him know. Now [hosting this event] is more of a tradition, and I expect to do it. It's good for the community," Murphy explained.
"Senior citizens look forward to this every year. It's a great tradition and this has been happening long before I came here. And I'm sure it will continue long after I'm gone. It's a great way to kick-of the holidays," the local businessman added.
In addition to hosting the 320 invited guests, Murphy also ensured that the 60 volunteers, who assisted his staff members, got to enjoy the chicken pot pie and other offerings as well.
As in years past, a number of town officials, municipal workers, and elected officials attended the event to help serve the meal. Among other volunteers, Safety Officer Larry Rotondi, School Committee Secretary Ruth Cronin, State Representatives Patrick Natale and Paul Casey, as well as Selectmen Tony Kennedy, Paul Rotondi, and George Seibold were seen laboring to ensure the event went smoothly.
"Every single one of these people looks forward to this for weeks. They literally line-up outside about a half-hour before this starts. We greatly enjoy putting this on every year," said Selectman Tony Kennedy.
"We have to thank Marty Murphy for providing the food and entertainment. I think this is his third year of footing the bill. In the past, the town used to pay, but we had to cut [the money because of a budget deficit]. It's great that Marty stepped-up to the plate."
Sharing Kennedy's sentiments, Selectmen newcomer Paul Rotondi, enjoying his first year as a host of the annual tradition, also thanked Murphy for his philanthropy.
According to Rotondi, in a community where emotions can at-times run high during budget deliberations and Town Meetings, events such as the Selectmen's annual senior Christmas Party are great ways to bring people together.
"It's a great thing. It brings the community together and I can't thank the Montvale Plaza and all the volunteers here today enough for putting this together," Rotondi said.
In addition to some live entertainment from a Christmas caroler, the senior celebration also included yet another visit from the North Pole, as jolly old Saint Nick (Exit Realty owner Stephen DeCrescenzo) descended upon the crowd.
Over 170 gift certificates donated from area businesses were also distributed to the excited guests during the traditional holiday raffle at the end of the celebration.
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