Londonderry chef serves up community

WINDHAM —Long-time residents of Windham are familiar with local chef Anna Marie Brickley whose popular cooking show, “Anna Marie’s Euro Kitchen,” has aired on WCTV since 1996.

More than three decades later, Brickley is still cooking and sharing her recipes with television audiences thanks to cable television and the sharing of programs throughout the area.

She also serves up community in more ways than one.

Brickley, now living in Londonderry, recently prepared an entire Thanksgiving meal for residents at the Manor Motel in Windham.

The motel on Rockingham Road is home to about 30 guests, including veterans in need of support along with a good meal.

The effort to feed those in need started years ago when Brickley was working at a Windham elementary school and heard of families living at the motel.

"I wanted to help the families there," Brickley said.

She connected with the motel and began preparing her annual holiday meal.

On Thursday morning, Brickley put out her traditional spread for Manor residents to enjoy including roast turkey, potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole and dessert.

This year to plan for her meal, Brickley reached out to friends and family on her social media page and got an overwhelming response.

That brought in personal care items, warm hats and mittens and gift cards, she said, enough of a generous showing to fill gift bags for motel residents in addition to the meal she offered.

"It was unbelievable how people came out," Brickley said, adding some help came from longtime friends she hasn't seen in years.

"It's just because they knew somebody was in need," she said.

Coming to the Manor to serve dinner every year is special, Brickley said. She meets the residents, hears their stories and often makes new friends.

Some guests are proud veterans, others just need some help as the holidays approach.

Manor residents are there for many reasons — some currently living there were displaced by September's gas explosion in greater Lawrence, while others find a home as they try to get back on their feet.

Motel manager Pat Parham considers her guests like family.

"We try to be as much a family as possible," Parham said. "It's their home and we respect it."

She said the community is generous. Many churches in the area offer food from their pantries or other items residents might need.

And those calling the Manor home often share their stories, Parham said.

"We are not like a regular motel,"Parham said, adding staff works hard to make everyone feel like they belong for however long they stay.

"There is no judgement," Parham said. "All you can do is guide and help."

Parham has worked at the Manor for 13 years and said it's the right fit.

"This turned out to be everything I wanted," she said. "There are many days I go home with a big smile on my face."

For Brickley, sharing her food and company makes it all worthwhile.

"I really look forward to this every year," she said.

Brickley will provide another holiday meal at the Manor Motel the week before Christmas.