Communities prepare for Thanksgiving
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Thanksgiving cheer warms the heart and belly.
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Polson
POLSON — A ton of work goes into preparing the Community Thanksgiving dinner held each year in Polson, but the reward is seeing diverse groups unite for a special holiday, according to organizer Tracy Plaiss.
“It’s the only holiday that’s not about what you get, but being thankful for what you have,” she said.
The free made-from-scratch dinner is offered to the entire community Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Polson Senior Center.
But behind the scenes, before the centerpieces are placed and the variety of musical groups set the festive tone, volunteers roast 28 turkeys in ovens and electric roasting pans — two recently donated by Walmart — and stir 30 gallons of gravy.
Hot portions of dinner are cooked by Jo Durand, Kaye Stam and Cathy Corrigan.
“Without those three I really don’t know how we’d survive the day,” Plaiss said.
The Salvation Army helps with monetary donations, which helps pay for turkeys, which have ranged in price from as little as 59 cents per pound to as much $1.79 per pound, according to Plaiss.
“We try to (put) that money back into the community at local grocery stores, such as Super 1 Foods,” Plaiss said.
Franz bakery donates about 75 loaves of bread, and each slice is toasted and diced for stuffing.
A youth group peels 150 pounds of potatoes on Thanksgiving eve.
“They look a bit like military with their potato peelers, coming in swashbuckling, and peel until we don’t have any more potatoes to peel,” Plaiss said.
Last year the volunteers fed 550 people. About 200 meals — nearly twice the number in 2014— were delivered by six volunteer teams.
“Those folks ran all over the town,” she said.
Volunteers are always encouraged to bring homemade pies, rolls and salads, and the entire community is invited to feast together.
“It’s not always about not having the resources. There is a good energy there,” Plaiss said. “It’s a good day.”
To volunteer, or for more information, call Tracy Plaiss at 406-471-2333.
Ronan
RONAN — Throughout the past 12 years, the Ronan Community Thanksgiving Dinner has continued to grow, bringing people together for a time of friendship, food, music and fun. This year’s 13th annual dinner will be held Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center. Each year, the celebration draws several hundred residents, coming to share conversation, homemade pie and the chance to recognize the good that has come into their lives. Dinner is free and all are welcome.
Local cook Marie Cowan, formally of the Ronan Café, kicked off the tradition 12 years ago, recruiting volunteers, foods and participants. When it grew too large for the café, it was moved to the Ronan Community Center and is now sponsored by the Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce. Supplies and all the fixings come from donors throughout the area.
Festivities for the day include entertainment and a traditional turkey dinner. Volunteers are needed to help serve, cook, buss and clean up. Turkeys, pies, and rolls, are also needed. Call Brandy Chisholm at 250-8808 to donate food or to volunteer some time.
It is a special day open to all community members. Come share all that is good in the world with friends and new acquaintances.
Everyone is welcome to attend and the dinner is free. Donations will be gladly accepted at the door or sent to Ronan Community Volunteers, PO Box 254 Ronan, MT 59864.
St. Ignatius
ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be served Nov. 24 from noon to 2 p.m. at the St. Ignatius Middle School Commons. All are invited and meal is free. Menu will be turkey, ham, mashed potatoes w/gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls, desserts and beverages. Come enjoy a home cooked meal with your friends, neighbors and community. Hosted by St. Ignatius Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Any information needed, contact Kimimi Ashley at 406-273-8203.
