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11/06/2007: "Help Out On Thanksgiving Day"

(File photo)

This is the seventh year that San Juan Islanders will have gathered together at the SJI Grange to give thanks and celebrate the season together.

If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate and give thanks, go to the SJ Grange for a good old-fashioned community Thanksgiving dinner. You can show up any time between 12:00 Noon and 4:00 PM to enjoy a turkey feast. If you’re in a mood to help out, you can even show up between 10:00 AM and noon to help with set up and food preparation.

“We never know who or how many will show up to help”, says Minnie Knych, “but that just makes the day more interesting. Last year we served dinner to over 300 people. Sometimes there are a dozen people in the kitchen peeling potatoes, washing pots, stirring gravy or slicing turkey. There’s always another chore that needs to be done so there’s plenty for everyone who enjoys that part of the day, too. It’s always good fun and reminds me of my big family childhood holidays when uncles, aunts and cousins gathered in one home for this special day.”


There are many volunteers that make this happen each year: the Grange, Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, Kiwanis. Lions, Leos, Rotary Club, and Soroptimists sponsor the event. Kerwin Johnson of Islanders Insurance is a major underwriter and King’s Market donates the turkeys. The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4H join by helping to distribute flyers about the dinner.

Come alone or bring friends and family. This is a day to share and give thanks together. Everyone is welcome. It’s all free. The food is great. There’s a fire in the fire place. Football games are on the TV with cable provided by Time Warner. There are card games and board games to play while you digest your feast. Most important of all, there are plenty of friends and neighbors to share a special day. For information about how you can join the fun, call Pat Ball at 378-4557 or Minnie Knych at 378-4662.

See you at the Grange on Thanksgiving Day!