Dear editor:

As our holiday season continues, I am looking back at the wonderful Community Thanksgiving Dinner held at the fairgrounds on Thanksgiving Day. Over 600 community members were served a meal that was donated and prepared by local volunteers. 

I had the honor of volunteering in the “pie room.” I wish you could have seen what over 120 pies looked like lying on the cutting tables. It was an amazing sight. All those pies were donated by church groups and many other generous folks. 

This is just a part of what “community” means in Community Thanksgiving Dinner. It was fun to look out over the hall and see so many people visiting with each other and eating their dinner … and pies. If you couldn’t attend this year, I will extend an invitation to you for next year. Mark your calendar!

I want to thank all those who donated the large variety of pies. Also, a thank you to the dozens of people who volunteered to cut, plate and serve the pie slices. It brought me great joy to witness the kindness of the young and older folks who helped with the dessert portion of the meal.

May the rest of your holiday season and next year bring you peace and joy. 

Marybeth Richardson

Powell