ROCHESTER — Though normal Veterans Day events have been altered or cancelled altogether, the Rochester Council on Aging showed its gratitude to the town’s veterans and their families with a grab n’ go frank and beans luncheon on Nov. 7.

“We just wanna make sure they know they’re not forgotten because we love them all,” COA Director Cheryl Randall-Mach said. 

In total, 54 meals were picked up or delivered to veterans and their families, along with cards and masks that featured prints from each branch of the military.

Usually, there’s a ham and beans dinner for veterans at the Rochester Senior Center to honor them. The COA called up past attendees and compiled a list of those who came to the event last year to let them know of this year’s event.

COA Chief Outreach Coordinator Lorraine Thompson spent the morning of preparing franks, beans, coleslaw and apple crumble that were boxed up and brought out to cars. 

Since the pandemic started, she said the Senior Center has had seven grab n’ go meals, and at least two more happening in the near future. 

“It’s really great to honor the people here,” Thompson said.