By Steve Peoples
Journal State House Bureau

Turkey Day came early for the Gray Panthers, a group of elderly Rhode Islanders known for both their passion and sense of humor.

Last Tuesday, the organization presented its "2009 Turkey of the Year Award" to the energy giant, National Grid.

The award, which has gone to Governor Carcieri and General Assembly leadership in recent years, was hand-delivered to the Providence office of Michael F. Ryan, president of the Rhode Island distribution company for National Grid.

Ryan met the group in the first floor of his office building. The award was given "in protest of your disregard for the needs of Rhode Island's senior and low-income families," read the text of the award that Ryan accepted.