Community thanksgiving is set

To the editor:
Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching and the committee for the 22nd   Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner is again busy preparing to serve a hearty festive meal to hundreds of individuals.  
Around the tables at Asbury Church each year is a true cross section of our community, including individuals and families who are unable to commute to a family gathering; some with financial challenges and unable to prepare the traditional meal for their families; and many individuals and families who attend this community event simply for the fun, fellowship, and the delicious food it offers.
In addition to the meal and the opportunity to gather with others, there will again be a variety of door prizes and gift certificates to various local businesses.  
Our hope is to provide a bit of enjoyment and to give the home budget a bit of relief even after the holiday is over.
As always, we are looking forward to including the homebound in this holiday tradition by furnishing ample portions of food to carry them through a long weekend.  
If you are unable to come to the church for dinner, we have volunteer drivers standing by who are anxious to deliver a traditional meal to your home.  Please call either the Asbury United Methodist Church at (260) 726-8464 or Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at (260) 726-8832 (mornings) with your request.
If you have your own holiday tradition with your family but would like to lend a hand, please feel free to make an extra dish (in a disposable container, please) and drop it off at Asbury as you travel to your gathering. Any dish is welcome, but vegetables are especially needed.
As always, the welcome mat is out to the entire Jay community.  We invite all of you to join us for this heartwarming day.  
Even if you cannot be a part of this celebration, we hope your family shares a bountiful holiday of peace and joy.
Dolphus Stephens,
member, Community
Thanksgiving
Dinner Committee

Give thanks
To the editor:
I had the pleasure today, as I have had in several past years, of attending a Veterans Day celebration at East Elementary School here in Portland.
As I sat there watching the children enter the gymnasium, under the guidance of teachers and assistants, to take their positions within, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
We are gathered here today to honor and remember those individuals who have served in the various branches of our armed forces.
However, it should also be noted that without the guidance, patience, and sometimes sheer fortitude of teachers, assistants, and administrative staff, none of this would be possible.
The role played by our educators seems to always take place in the background while everyday living and travel to various school sports, and other activities, take center stage.
We are proud of our child’s achievements in sports or academics, however, we lose sight of how those achievements were accomplished.
From entry into our educational system until exit, a professional is given the responsibility for our child’s success or failure.
We all need to say, “Thank you for a job well done.”
James Coleman
Portland[[In-content Ad]]