The Green Acres Clubhouse was overflowing with gratitude, laughter, and incredible home-cooked dishes on November 21st as the community came together for the 10th Annual Green Acres Thanksgiving Dinner — a decade-long tradition honoring Westside seniors and veterans.
This year’s event was the largest yet, with tables stretching wall to wall and dishes arriving faster than volunteers could set them down. Support from residents, youth clubs, local businesses, and elected officials helped make the milestone year unforgettable.
“This is the most food we’ve ever had at the dinner, and we can’t thank everyone enough from all over the Westside for contributing amazing dishes,” said Gustine Traveling Library Board Vice President Jose Flores. “From local businesses & organizations like Saputo, A Plus Plumbing, Gustine Rotary, WOLFSEN’S Meat & Sausage, and so many families to state and local leaders like Congressman Adam Gray’s office, Supervisors Jim Pacheco and Lloyd Pareira, and even Councilman Mark Melville — it was great to see so many new faces and supporters this year to support a great meal for our Westside veterans and seniors.”
Flores added his appreciation for the youth who helped make the evening meaningful. “We can’t thank the Westside 4-H and Gustine FBLA Club enough for coming out to help serve and enjoy great conversation with our elders and vets. The Westside 4-H has been with us every single year since the beginning, and their dedication shines.”
The night was filled with stories, jokes, and warm reflections from attendees who have watched the dinner grow through the years. Seniors and veterans shared how much the evening meant to them:
Patricia Leal shared, “I look forward to this dinner all year long. It feels like being wrapped in a big family hug.”
David Ramirez said, “Seeing the kids here again made the whole night. They bring so much joy and make us feel valued.”
Mary Louise Carter noted, “The food was amazing, but the company was even better. I’m just grateful to be here.”
Charles ‘Chuck’ Henderson said, “I’ve been to a lot of dinners, but this one always feels special. The students talking with us was the highlight.”
Bonnie Sosa shared, “The decorations were beautiful, the meal was delicious — it just felt good to sit, eat, and laugh with everyone.”
Robert ‘Bobby’ Nash added, “I’m thankful they kept the tradition of saying a prayer before the meal. They’ve done it every year, and it brings a peace that sets the tone.”
A lighthearted moment of the evening came from volunteer cook Angel Steinbeck, who arrived simply intending to drop off a dish. Flores said Angel “walked in as a cook and walked out as the unofficial kitchen captain.” She spent the entire event carving meat, running plates, washing trays, and laughing with volunteers. “She came to bring one dish,” Flores said, “and somehow he left after doing half the cleanup. We’re pretty sure he lives here now.”
This year’s celebration was also made special by Charissa Faria of Green Acres, who once again opened the clubhouse doors, arranged the tables and chairs, and decorated the space with beautiful autumn displays that made guests feel at home the moment they walked in. As plates emptied and conversations stretched into the evening, it became clear why this tradition has lasted ten years — and why it will continue. The Green Acres Thanksgiving Dinner is more than a meal; it is a reminder of the power of community, the importance of honoring seniors and veterans, and the joy that comes from gathering together.
Flores shared, “This was all something that started by a guy in high school and now has become an annual Westside tradition that really shows how much love and spirit both Newman & Gustine hold. We may see a lot of scary things on tv or social media but this is the perfect moment to put that all away and see first hand how special are small towns really are. So again thank you to all of you who made this year so special.” Organizers look forward to many more years of sharing food, friendship, and gratitude with the Westside.
