The tradition continues: Pandora cooking up his 25th Christmas feast for the community

More than 200 expected at this year's free community dinner in Conway Village

Anyone who knows John Pandora knows where he'll be on Christmas Day in a kitchen preparing food for the community.For the past 24 years he has headed the annual American Legion Post 95 Christmas Day celebration at Eastern Slope Elks Lodge, but this year the venue is changing to the Conway Congregational Church (the brown church) in Conway Village."We had to move the location because earlier this year the Elks had a big disaster when their pipes frozen and the building flooded," Michael Gilmore, of the American Legion, said. "We went to look for places and someone suggested trying Salyards, but they basically wanted to charge us $250 per day for three days. They wouldn't give us, a nonprofit, a break, so we had to continue to look. We didn't have to look very far because both the Conway and North Conway congregational churches offered to open up their doors to us for free."The American Legion elected to use the services of the Conway Congregational Church."I think this may actually work out better," Pandora said. "The church has a beautiful big kitchen and we can probably seat 25 to 30 more people at a time."What started out as a meal for a handful has grown by leaps and bounds to a complete homemade Christmas dinner for more than 200.The legion delivers meals to those who aren't able to attend. Conway police officers will give rides to and from the dinner.This free community dinner dates back over two decades. Pandora approached his fellow American Legion Post 95 members in 1983 and told them of his plans to host a Christmas dinner for the community. That first year, 37 people turned out. The dinner has grown every year, with more than 225 people expected this year. Last year, nearly 200 dinners were served, many delivered to the homebound."That first year," Pandora said, "I came before the membership and asked for $300 to host a Christmas dinner for shut-ins. I felt we needed to do something for the community. We had been taking a lot out of the community as well as giving a lot back, but my idea was do something good for everyone and anyone. Some members said I was crazy to open up for free. They thought we'd be full and run out of food very quickly."Well, that first year we had 37 people and I was really disappointed," he said. "I asked a fellow why there were so few people and he told me, 'You held the dinner at 2 p.m. damn fool. Don't you know us old people like to eat at noon.' So we changed the time to noon the next year and, you know, he was right. We had 100 people, and it's grown every year since then. Anyone who didn't have a place to go was invited, and we even gave out presents to everyone."The meal is prepared Christmas Eve and served the next afternoon at the church, located on Route 16 in Conway Village."The good thing about this is all of the volunteers," Pandora said. "Last year I had nearly 40 people helping out. These are people, including a lot of post members, who are willing to give up their time to come and help out. It's become a tradition for them. I've had people working with me for the past 18 years; they wouldn't miss it. I do all of the prepping work but the volunteers are phenomenal."Is any more help needed?"I don't dare advertise," Pandora, said, laughing. "A few years ago, I said we needed some help, and the response was amazing. So many people called to offer their services and left their phone numbers it was incredible. The only thing we lacked last year and may need this time are a few more drivers for home delivery. We usually have plenty of volunteers. Anyone who would would like to lend a hand is more than welcome it's a very rewarding experience. I know I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. If people want they can give me a call and we'll put you to work."The number to call is (207) 935-2552.Transportation is provided for those unable to get to the church on their own."The Conway Police Department has helped us out every year with rides to anyone who needs them," Pandora said.For more information, call 356-5715.Chef Pandora will be serving the traditional Christmas dinner: roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, boiled onions, squash, corn, peas, carrots, breads, cranberry jelly and a wide range of desserts."Last year, I cooked 240 pounds of turkey," Pandora said. "We'll do maybe a little bit more than that this year. We're planning on cooking for 300. I'll cook right around 300 pounds of turkey; 60 pounds of potatoes; 40 pounds of onions; 40 pounds of squash and so on. Now we have people willing to help out who asked for the turkey carcasses when everything is done. They're great for making a good soup. I like to say we have everything from soup to nuts."We do a lot of the prep work the day before," he said. "We have a crew come in that day and we do all of the vegetables. On Christmas morning I usually get to the kitchen by 8 a.m., and we're always on schedule for noon. One thing I want to do is thank the local businesses who help make all of this possible. Shaw's, Leavitt's Bakery, North Country Wholesale, Hill's Nursery, Grant's and Wal-Mart and many other individuals it's really too numerous to mention all deserve a big thank you."Pandora said everyone is invited to the meal."It's completely open to the public," he said. "Everyone is welcome, no questions asked. It's open to all ages, and we even get a few families in and a lot of senior citizens. We're usually there from noon until about 2:30 p.m., when we're having coffee. We'll stay until whenever."Everybody gets a gift as well from the American Legion. "We usually set out a table with toys and gifts for the kids," Gilmore said, "People tend to bring donations, which is wonderful."Celebrating 25 years this year, Pandora said he continues to look forward to the yearly event. "I really wouldn't know what to do with myself on Christmas Day if I wasn't cooking," he said. "This is my tradition." Also on Christmas Day, Decades restaurant in North Conway Village, will hold its fifth annual Christmas Dinner Buffet from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for all residents of Carroll and Oxford counties. The dinner is free; reservations are requested. Call (603) 356-7080.