Gathering to give thanks

Grand Island Dispatch, November 30, 2007

Island Presbyterian Church volunteers Colleen Danahy (pouring tea) and Amy Steinhauser help serve a community Thanksgiving dinner last Thursday for anyone that wished to gather together, enjoy a great meal and give thanks. More than 70 people feasted on roast turkey and baked ham with all the trimmings, along with home-cooked vegetable casseroles, soufflés, fresh-baked breads and plenty of homemade pies provided by visitors and volunteers. Food and donations also came from Island churches such as St. Stephen’s, St. Martin’s in the Field and Trinity Methodist, along with awareness support from Niagara Frontier Publications. All this helped to create a memorable holiday for many, including those that might otherwise have spent Thanksgiving Day alone, said Rev. Diane Phinney of Island Presbyterian. In thanking the many participants, especially the youth group that peeled all the potatoes, she also reminds us to give thanks and count our blessings all year long. Prayers also go out to our many U.S. service members away from home and family this holiday season. (Photo and information by Michael J. Owen, U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.))