Thanksgiving Memories from our Staff

“When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of Norman Rockwell’s Traditional Family Thanksgiving Illustration. That is just how it was when my family and relatives got together. I remember the big turkey and stuffing, gravy made with giblets, yams, glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, peas with baby onions, cranberry sauce, apple, pumpkin, pecan, and mincemeat (real meat) pies. What is left of my husband’s and my family live on the east coast and they have families of their own so it is not the same. I am grateful to be spending Thanksgiving with my husband and we do our best to prepare that Traditional Thanksgiving meal.”

-Mara Bearse, Quality Assurance Director

“I have a large family and have always enjoyed the smell of good food in the house. Cornbread, turkey, ham, greens, Eggnog, Cool aid, and games played around the house. The Turkey football game in the morning and the NFL in the afternoon. Seeing family that you have not seen all year. It has always been a coming together of relatives and friends that span sex, race, generations, and country. However, Covid has brought a new limitation on family gatherings. What stands out to me most is the love that we shared with friends, neighbors, and family. Looking forward the values have not changed just how much I appreciate others.”

-Christopher Scott, Adult Development Center Program and Curriculum Manager

“One year my partner Rich (the guy from NASA) and I were visiting his sister Margareta’s family in LA.  The turkey was almost done, and Margareta opened the oven to check on it.  She pulled it out a little too far and plop…it landed on the floor!  We were all shocked and then laughed like crazy.  She quickly scooped it up, brushed it off, and declared it done.  It was the juiciest, tastiest Turkey ever!!  (wish I had a pic, but it all happened too fast!).

This year, I’m thankful as always for family, friends, and students near and far…and for keeping in touch via Zoom, FaceTime, Facebook, texts, and good old fashioned phone calls!”

-Lin Maxwell, Health, Wellness, and Yoga Instructor

“I am grateful for my family, my friends, my neighbors, the participants, and the great staff I have the privilege to work with! All of these people give me so much support during these crazy, unpredictable times…and give me a purpose/opportunity to be there for others.”

-Peggy Hakanson, Instructor