Tom Iannitti had his calendar open to October 2006 when Morgan Wotherspoon walked in the door of his office at the West Warwick Senior Center. Each month, the Rhode Island center has a dinner for the local seniors, but Tom hadn't yet scheduled one for October. Wotherspoon, Pit Master of Big Boned Barbecue, told him about Senior Q Month's purpose of raising awareness of the importance of our elderly as a national treasure and of his desire to cook for the group. The two decided that October 26th looked like a good night to celebrate Senior Q Night at the center.
Shortly afterwards, Morgan contacted the Big Boned Barbecue Competition Team's sponsor AJ Martin, Inc about providing meat for the event. They thought that the dinner sounded like a great idea and donated cases of ribs, pork shoulders, chicken and charcoal.
To advertise the event, Morgan went door to door passing out about 150 flyers. One night, he met Bob, an elderly gentleman in his neighborhood. He talked to Bob about the dinner, but Bob explained that he was unable to leave his house because his wife Paulette was suffering from cancer and needed constant care. "No problem," Morgan said. "We'll bring Senior Q night to you!" In addition to delivering to them, Morgan brought dinner to his wheelchair-bound neighbors Tony and Bunny, and his steel supplier Sam and his father.
Back at the senior center, Tom and Joanne Riley began spreading the word about the dinner. They started a sign up sheet and it filled up quickly. Several people volunteered to cook side items and dessert, including Mary Ricci, the "Queen of the Apple Crisp." Girl Scout Troop 184 even came out and served the first seating of 90 people, and several other volunteers like Manny Murray helped to serve and clean up afterwards.
In all, over 250 people enjoyed a delicious meal consisting of pulled pork, ribs, chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, bread and of course, apple crisp. "The ribs were out of this world!" said Betty Franklin of Warwick.
Country trio The Harwoods kept everyone entertained with old standards by Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Johnny Cash. West Warwick Town Council President John Flynn and Rhode Island State Senator Steven Alves attended the event and each presented Wotherspoon with a Proclamation.
All proceeds from the event benefited the West Warwick Senior Center Building Fund.
