Scott Macaulay's Thanksgiving Dinner
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
This Thanksgiving, my gratitude list is long — and right at the top is our decision to move to Melrose.
But what I’m most grateful for is crossing paths with Scott Macaulay!
Scott is the keeper of the Melrose Archives — an extraordinary collection of all things Melrose. His knowledge is endless, and his generosity in sharing it with anyone who asks is genuinely astonishing.
But what I cherish most about Scott isn’t just his knowledge. It’s his heart.
This year marks 40 years that Scott has spent providing Thanksgiving meals to anyone in need. Over four decades, he has handed out thousands of meals — but as he always says, “it’s not about the numbers, it’s about the people.”
Every person arrives with a story: grief after losing a spouse, illness, homelessness, loneliness, or simply needing a little support. Scott makes every meal special — from festive napkins to pie for dessert — but what he really gives is something far more meaningful: his time, his attention, and his compassion.
All he asks in return is a written note dropped into his blessing box, sharing what they’re grateful for this year. He reads each one to remind himself why he continues this beautiful tradition.
It isn’t often that you meet someone so selfless, so quietly extraordinary. I am deeply grateful to know Scott — someone who is truly making the world a better place, one meal at a time.
And he’s not done yet. Scott will also be providing a Christmas meal to anyone who needs one. Please call 781-662-7235 to preregister so he can prepare.
