Corn on the Cob, Burgers and Hot Dogs on the Grill

The cloudy sky posed a constant threat of rain, but that didn't stop the Monroe Senior Center from hosting its annual picnic on Tuesday afternoon. Around 115 patrons showed for the buffet-style spread of burgers, jumbo hot dogs and corn on the cob. Jeremy Santana, executive chef for Morrison Senior Living, the caterer for the event, said the menu included homemade baked beans and macaroni salad with watermelon for dessert.

The grilling station and buffet line was behind the senior center outside and a coffee station was set up inside the Program Room.

"It's our pre-summer picnic," said Barbara Yeager, who is director of the senior center, as well as of the town's Social Services Department. "The last few years Masonic Care has been catering it."

Morrison Senior Living is a contract company that provides food service for Masonic Care of Newtown.

Yeager said attendance to the picnic was down a little due to the weather.

Monroe police officers volunteering at the serving stations included, Sgt. John Butler, Det. Michael Chaves and Lt. Brian McCauley.

Timothy Smith, director of dining services at Masonic Care of Newtown, said his company brought about 20 pounds of hot dogs, 40 pounds of burgers and two cases of corn on the cob to the picnic.

"When it comes to senior events, this is probably the largest one we do," said Smith.

Masonic Care also provides the food when the Monroe Senior Center has presentations, according to Smith.

"We do it for other senior centers too — Southbury in particular," he said.