Families preparing for the big feast
By ANTHONY GAYNOR and ALEC RADER, Staff WritersArticle Photos
Local grocery stores have been keeping up with the pace as shoppers dash in for last-minute items needed to prepare their Thanksgiving dinners and deli workers have stayed busy putting together meals for those that elect to stay clear of the stove. Anyone looking to make their own pies is in luck - the national pumpkin shortage has posed a problem for only a few retailers.
According to Elkins Kroger deli employee Cheryl Ferrese, there have been 35 orders taken for full dinners. Deli employees spent the majority of Tuesday boxing up the orders to be picked up and reheated for the big meal. For people who are making their own meals, Store manager Keith Brown said the shelves have been stocked despite the national pumpkin shortage that has left many stores without canned pumpkin for the traditional pie.
Customers have been steady at Elkins Shop 'n Save Express in the Tygart Valley Mall. Store manager Mike Scott said all of the area Shop 'n Saves were prepared for the pumpkin shortage by ordering in advance. The deli has taken orders for 10 full dinners.
Sales have been good for the holiday at Save-a-Lot in the Elkins Shopping Plaza, but the store has had some trouble keeping pumpkin in stock, according to office manager Donna Sycafoose.
Whether people prepare their meals or purchase a boxed deli dinner, most share a tradition with family for the holidays.
Donna Auvil of Elkins has eaten Thanksgiving dinner at the home of her sister, Karen Boone, for the last eight years. There, they spend time with their other sister, Christy Weese, and their father, Gerald Ware.
"I go to my sister's every year," Auvil said. "All of the men go to deer camp and we used to fix the meal and take it to them."
Auvil said the meal is very traditional with homemade pies, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and turkey.
"The way we make the food is the way our mother did," Auvil said. "We have thinner gravy than what most people do and she always used to sautee the celery and onions in butter and then put it on top of the bread for the dressing. That is the way mother did it, so that is the way we do it."
Sherry Whited of Barbour County has a huge dinner with family and friends. Every year there are 40 to 50 people at the feast - far too many for anyone's home - so Whited and the others have to find a place large enough to accommodate everyone. This year, they are having the dinner at their church's fellowship hall.
"Everyone brings a covered dish," Whited said. "Everyone loves the turkey and we have to do three if we want to have leftovers. We also do ham."
She said family members enjoy the day and there are always games and family pictures.
"It is a good time for family fellowship," Whited said. "We always do a special prayer before dinner."
For those looking for a place to eat for the holiday, several are planned in the area.
Tyrand Cooperative Ministries will host a free dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. People may eat in or carry out.
Some delivery will be available. To order for take out or make arrangements for delivery, call 304-335-2788.
A Community Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by the Barbour County Ministerial Association will be served at Crim Memorial United Methodist Church in Philippi from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday. Dine in, take out or delivery will be available.
The dinner has been a tradition for several years and averages about 250 attendees. Barbour County Ministerial Association President the Rev. Joyce Hawkins said more people are expected this year.
According to Hawkins, several businesses have donated food items and lots of people have volunteered time to prepare the meal. She said the local Boy Scouts will be helping deliver the food.
"It is good to be a part of God reaching out and sharing his love with those around us," Hawkins said. "God has blessed us to bring blessings to those around us. He calls us to meet those needs, to feed the hungry and clothe those who need clothed. It's good to be a part of that. It's good also to let the people of our community know God does care about them and their community cares about them. Hopefully this will help them. We receive just as much of a blessing by doing this as those who enjoy what God has for them.
For more information, call Joyce Hawkins at 304-457-1375 or 304-625-1764. Donations will be accepted. For delivery, call the Barbour County Senior Center at 457-4545.
Free dinners will also be served at the Parsons Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thomas Education Center from noon to 1:30 p.m.
