Southbury Community Thanksgiving Dinner
November 25, 2004
The annual Southbury Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held this year at B'Nai Israel Synagogue, on Main Street North in Southbury. This was the first year that the dinner was held at the Synagogue. Everyone was very impressed with the beauty of the building, and the effort that went into preparing and serving the dinner. As in past years, the dinner is sponsored by the Faith Communities of Southbury. Representatives from most faith communities come together to plan and execute this event. What follows shows only the results, not the tremendous time and effort that goes into a successful event. Thanks to Diane, Linda, and all the wonderful volunteers who took time off from their own Thanksgiving, to assure that everyone would have a day to remember.
Thanksgiving starts a few days early, when the community gathers in prayer to give thanks for all the many blessing we have received over the year. Members of many faiths, and their clergy gathered on Tuesday, November 23, in the United Church of Christ in Southbury. Rev. Pitman, pastor of UCC made all feel welcome, and other members of the various faith communities took part in the evening. Faith communities represented are:- B'Nai Israel
- The Church of the Epiphany
- Sacred Heart Church
- South Britain Congregational
- St. James Lutheran Church ELCA
- Christ the Savior Orthodox Church
- Community Chapel
- The United Church of Christ
- Ministries of God
If the lights are on in the kitchen of UCC at 4:00 AM, it must be Thanksgiving. This is where your dedication really shows. In order for all the turkeys to be cooked to perfection, they start preparing them about 4:00 AM. It takes time to get 20 turkeys ready for the oven. Especially if you aren't familiar with the kitchen, and can't turn on the stove. But not to worry, a quick phone call to the gentleman who did it in the past quickly got things going. The other gentleman lives in New Hampshire, of course.
Don't they look cheerful though. Considering that they have been up since the wee hours of the morning, they seem to be holding up pretty well. Once the turjeys are in the ovens, there is a little time to relax.
Well, what do you think? According to our faithful meat thermometer, this baby is done to perfection. And so were all the other birds. Coming into the kitchen while they are cooking is a real eye opening experience.
OK, out they come. Give them a little time to cool, and it's time to start carving. But don't drop that delicious bird on the way to the counter.
Did someone say that the time for the carving has arrived. And so have the carvers. A separate crew comes in later in the morning and gets the birds ready for the table. Nothing goes to waste. Even the bones go to the shelter in Waterbury. Makes good soup.
Meanwhile, back at Sacred Heart, Deacon Joe and Father Joe were ready to lead the community in prayer, for the annual Thanksgiving Day Mass. Many in attendance, realizing that dispite our problems, we really are a blessed nation, under God.
Back at the Synagogue, things are beginning to pick up speed. This sign greeted all those attending, both volunteers and guests. And if the sign were not enough, there is a group of volunteers there to make everyone welcome.
The main meeting room at B'Nai Israel has been transformed into the best dining hall in town. This work was done the night before, but still requires months of planning to make sure that everything is just right.
Doesn't this look inviting? Better than home. And that's exactly the experience that the organizers aim for. A home like dinner, surrounded by family and friends. Welcome, all.
Pie, anyone. Lots of pies. All kinds of pies. Every pie that you could want on a beautiful Thanksgiving day. Just ask.
In the kitchen, the pots are boiling, veggies are prepared, and a happy crew is kept busy the whole morning.
Matt was doing his part, too. Just in case you have heard that a lot of kids today don't know how to help others, don't believe it. Matt was just one of a number of young folk from all the faith communities that gave up a part of their day to serve others.
Time to sign in. This group of volunteer servers are arriving to start their volunteer time. Sign in, walk down the hall, and find your assigned work station. And thanks to all who did.
And, in addition to all the meal preparation, a group of students from Nonawaug H.S. was completing an assignment. They were interviewing the volunteers for a project.
And where do all those delicious fixings come from. Well, a lot of it is donated by individuals around town. Everyone gets a recipe, and a pan to cook it in. That way, everything comes out about the same. And on Thanksgiving morning, these are delivered to the dinner by those who prepared them. Looks like some sweet potatoes arriving now.
Not everyone who would like a Thanksgiving dinner is able to attend. Not a problem. This group is preparing dinners to send out to those who can't attend. Perhaps they are working. Perhaps they are not physically able to make the trip. No matter. If you can't come to the dinner, the dinner, and all the best wishes of the community, will come to you.
Another of our younger volunteers working the kitchen shift. Doing the dishes. In the sink.
The guests have arrived, and are ready to start the festivities. A little time to relax and meet new friends before the meal. What better way to spend the day?
But first things first. Rabbi Polokoff, of B'Nai Israel, offers a few words of welcome and thanksgiving to God.
Also attending from the clergy of Southbury, we saw Rev. Pitman, pastor of the United Church of Christ.
And, of course, Rev. Gilleland, of Southbury Baptist Church was in the kitchen with the clean up crew, as they are every year. I guess it's true, everyone is a specialist. The speciality of the group from the Baptist church is cleaning up. Not an easy job, and one that we tend to take for granted. But many thanks to these good folks, who respond every year, and do a wonderful job.
Volunteers come in all sizes. This is the family size volunteer. What a wonderful lesson from Mom and Dad to the kids. Remember kids, always be ready to help those who need it.
Dinner is served. By table, to help avoid confusion. And a large group of willing volunteers, helping get that good food to the plates.
From the look of contentment on the faces of Gary, Mary, and all the guests,a good time was had by all. Lots of good food, lots of fellowship. Lots of expressions of faith in action.
Wow! Look at all the kids. Working to help others have a wonderful Thanksgiving day. Thanks to all our volunteers, and especially the younger set. You are an inspiration to us all.
Things have quieted down at the registration table. But there still might be a few late arrivals. And there always are. So these folks stayed at their post to make sure that everyone was welcomed and make to feel at home.
And our final shot goes back to the kitchen, with Rev. Gilleland and his happy clean up crew. Without them, working unseen in the background, this day would have been much longer and harder that it is. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this day so special for so many people. And a special thanks to Diane for coordinating the whole event. God bless you all. See you again next Thanksgiving.