GLBBQA

On Saturday October 17, 2009 members of the Great Lakes Barbecue Association sponsored their first Senior “Q” event in Utica, MI.

Approximately 50 residents of the city’s Riverside 175 Senior Housing complex and members of the Utica Pioneers Club were served a great BBQ lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken, Hog Apple Baked Beans, potato salad, coleslaw and dessert.

In September, the GLBBQA approached the Utica City Council requesting that October be declared Senior “Q” Month in Utica; and by unanimous vote the Council issued a proclamation deeming it so.

The morning of the event could not have started better. The weather was gorgeous, upper 40’s and sunny (remember we’re in Michigan), however, by mid morning that quickly changed to cloudy and windy. Members of the GLBBQA were on site by 8am and the smokers were fired up and started drawing some spectators soon afterwards. The weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the seniors who began showing up for the scheduled Noon lunch by 11:15am. The event started with me explaining to the folks exactly what Senior Q was all about and how it all began.

The meal was served buffet style and members of the Association assisted those seniors with special needs by fixing a plate for them. The event was also attended by the Mayor of Utica, Jacqueline Noonan and by Utica City Council Person, Russ Barthelmeh. By 2pm all the seniors had been fed some great BBQ and many had been through the line twice and I swear I saw two gentlemen go through a third time. Many left with doggie bags full of pulled pork and some great brownies. The folks loved the meal, many commenting that it was the best BBQ they had ever had and they expressed their hope this would be an annual event.

I want to thank Mayor Noonan and the Utica City Council for the Senior Q Proclamation and for her and Councilman Barthelmeh’s attendance at the event.

I also want to thank GLBBQA members Mike Terry, Pres., Bruce McEnroe, Treas., Steve Coddington, BoD, Tom Moog, and Chris Lewandowski for their efforts and abilities to turn a cold fall day into a warm, bright afternoon for some very deserving and appreciative seniors.

Bruce Bissonnette