Area folks share what Thanksgiving means to them

Holiday season and thankful hearts are highlights

 

TRI-CITY AREA — The Thanksgiving holiday is the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season for many.

It’s a time of travel for some, as they drive, or fly, hundreds, if not thousands of miles, to see loved ones and spend what they hope is quality family time.

According to statistics, more than 293 million people will eat turkey this Thanksgiving.

In a bit of a twist this year, we’ve decided to ask “the big people” the same thing — “What does Thanksgiving mean to you?” Numerous people from throughout the Tri-City Times’ coverage area were asked to take part and share their responses.

Below is a compilation of responses from those who took time to participate in our survey. We want to thank those who took time to respond.

Dawn Sawicki-Franz, Imlay City Clerk/Treasurer — Thanksgiving to me, is an opportunity to reflect on blessings and give thanks with gratitude to God for the harvest and blessings that have been granted for the previous year. I feel it is a time to observe and reflect on my faith, a time to gather with family and friends and a time to give thanks through prayer for the many blessings that we have received.

Brooke Milnes — I love Thanksgiving because it can be at a different location or time, with new people joining us, or the regulars unable to make it. But one thing remains the exact same every year and that’s the feeling of love, acceptance, and comfort from my family and I feel really grateful for that.

William F. Kalmar, PhD Superintendent Lapeer County ISD — By far my favorite Thanksgiving memory was in 2013. I had a nephew in the Fraser HS band so we (myself, wife and two elementary school aged children) attended the Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit and that year it was 25 degrees and snowing. As much as we enjoyed the parade, I am not sure if any of us thawed out for the Lions’ game or for dinner!

Catherine Minolli, Tri-City Times — We always honored our ancestors at the Thanksgiving meal, and though it is a strictly American holiday, we interspersed our Italian culture and cuisine into the meal. It was a festival of food, beginning with an antipasto plate, stracciatella soup (Italian egg drop soup), and then the main event-turkey and all the fixings. That was followed up by pumpkin and mincemeat pie, fresh fruit and nuts in the shell that were fun to crack open when we were kids. The feast lasted all day. There was lots of laughter, loud arguing, kidding around, teasing and ribbing in the mix as well.

The family has reduced in size considerably, as my parents were first-generation Italian-Americans with most of our relatives in the “old country.” Still, the sisters and I get together whenever possible, including on Thanksgiving, to share recipes and memories, and to carry on a tradition that we all cherish and love. It was, and still is, my very favorite holiday.

Dr. Stu Cameron, Supt. of Imlay City Schools — Of the 50-plus Thanksgivings I’ve celebrated, the one that is the most special to me is the Thanksgiving of 2007. That’s the year that my son, Graham, was born. He came very, very early, and spent his first months in the hospital.

His situation was very “touch and go” for the first several weeks of his life. It was, to say the least, the most trying and frankly, most frightening, time of my life.

Over time, he became stronger and learned to breathe on his own. His health improved, and over the course of a few months, he was finally released from the hospital to spend his first days at home – and just in time for Thanksgiving!

So, Thanksgiving of 2007 was the first time my entire family could be together in the same place, at the same time, with my son, and with the worries about his health in the rearview mirror. It was by far, the best Thanksgiving we’ve ever enjoyed together. Among everything in my life, I’m most thankful for Graham — for having him in my life, and for God and the incredible group of medical professionals who helped get him home to us in 2007.

Every Thanksgiving since, I’ve been able to revisit those very real feelings of gratitude and thanks that I felt in 2007, as well as the warm feelings one can only get by being enveloped by the love of your family. What am I most thankful for: put simply, family.

Dr. Dina Tallis, Imlay City Schools — Despite my family being scattered across various states and countries, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to appreciate all the blessings in my life.

While I may not be able to gather with everyone, this holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on the abundance of my family, friends, and colleagues for whom I am deeply grateful.

Ultimately, Thanksgiving is a time for me to slow down, reflect, give thanks, and cultivate a spirit of appreciation for all the people and blessings that enrich my life.

Vicki Sefcovic, Imlay City Chamber of Commerce —Thanksgiving is a reminder of the importance of family, unity, and generosity. It serves as an opportunity to pause from daily routines, reconnect with loved ones, and extend kindness to others. It’s a wonderful time to reflect and recharge.

Margaret Guerrero DeLuca — Thanksgiving means to me and my family a time to relax and unwind from our busy daily schedules. To count our many blessings and to visit with family and friends.

Almont Supt. Kimberly VonHiltmayer — Thanksgiving with my family has always been a special time of year, but now it holds even deeper meaning as I have the privilege of hosting it for my entire family.

Being able to carry on our cherished family traditions fills me with pride and gratitude.

It’s a heartwarming experience to see my parents enjoy the traditions they once hosted. Thanksgiving is a time that strengthens our bond and reminds me of how grateful I am for these moments together.

Whether it be eating delicious food, looking for the best Black Friday deal, or playing card games, I love spending this special holiday with my family!

Mary Finnigan, Dryden High School Principal and Dryden Community Schools Superintendent — For me, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and express gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. It’s a moment to reflect on the past year and appreciate the people and experiences that have enriched our school community.

I’m especially thankful for our students and their families, who bring so much joy, energy, and curiosity to our classrooms daily. I also deeply appreciate our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to support our learners and create a nurturing environment for them to grow.

Beyond our school walls, I’m grateful for the Dryden community, whose steadfast support has been instrumental in our success as a district.

Time and again, we’ve seen our neighbors rally behind our initiatives, whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply showing up to cheer on our students. Their generosity and commitment to education are truly inspiring.

Keith Klobucar, Fire Chief Imlay City Fire Department — It is a time to reflect, recharge, and be thankful for what we have. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful.

I am thankful for my wife and family, whom I share this season with. I am grateful to all my family and friends who recharge during this time.

I am grateful for all the first responders with whom I am honored to serve. I am grateful to live in a country that values freedom.

I am grateful for the God above, who provides new opportunities with each new day.

Iris Lee Underwood — I delivered my firstborn in Mt. Pleasant Hospital, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, November 25, 1970.

I spent the following Thanksgiving Day alone in the hospital while my husband celebrated Thanksgiving and our daughter’s birth in Grand Rapids with his family.

A week later, once home with my newborn, my mother and younger sisters drove from Warren to Rosebush, Michigan, with an entire Thanksgiving Day dinner.

Never have I been so thankful for my mother, her love and devotion to me and my children, and that blessed day we Americans celebrate.

Kathy Haskins, MPH, BSN Director/Health Officer Lapeer County Health Department — Thanksgiving season…An official holiday that helps us to pause and realize the many blessings we experience each and every day. However, a thankful heart year-round can improve our health in many ways. If we can pause each and every day of the year and consider and give thanks for each daily blessing, it will improve our outlook and put a smile of kindness in our heart that is hopefully reflected in how we go about our day and treat others we encounter.

Some days may be more challenging than others, but the blessings are there. Yes, pause to enjoy family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday, but don’t forget the health benefits of a thankful heart to you and those around you on a daily basis. Wishing all a safe and healthy holiday season, and year ahead.

Lori Hall, Administrative Assistant Dryden Community Schools — My Thanksgiving memories and traditions have changed over the years.

When I was younger, I gathered with my family at my grandparents’ house in Ypsilanti. The holiday consisted of hours of friendly banter back and forth amongst the 8 ‘D’s’ and their families. There was never a quiet moment.

The memories of walking into their house with the slanted kitchen floor and the smells of the homemade rolls and pies is something I will never forget.

As the years rolled by and I got older and married with my own children and my grandparents had passed, Thanksgiving was much more low key. Now with my children grown, my family and I started a new tradition of at least one family member running in ‘The Mighty Gobbler 5K’ in Troy.

We wake up early and head down to Troy to cheer on all the runners! Then we celebrate with family later. I have always enjoyed the holiday and spending time with family.

Time goes by way too quickly and is a gift. Take the time to enjoy every minute. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Amanda Meyers. Administrative Assistant Almont Community Schools — Thanksgiving has always been a time of reflection for me. Thinking of all those who do not have a big home-cooked meal to look forward to, those who work hard for us to have the various gifts and food that will be enjoyed by my family, and those who don’t have it as lucky as we do.

While the standard response of, “I am thankful for my family and friends” holds true and is no less meaningful, I think the holiday makes me acutely aware of all the people that aren’t even in my life but make it so much better.

To realize how truly blessed we are and that a lot of it is dependent on the hard work of others, it is very humbling and makes the holidays even more poignant.

And last, but not least, is this reminder from Lapeer County EMS Director Russ Adams.

Thanksgiving-Or Simply, Giving Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, my wife and I eagerly anticipate gathering our family under one roof. With six children and three grandchildren, our immediate family alone fills a house; when we add parents and siblings, it becomes a true celebration. We look forward to a feast rich in tradition, filled with our favorite family recipes. One must-have dish is our scratch-made sweet potato casserole with a crumble streusel topping — definitely no marshmallows in sight!

This celebration is more than just food; it’s a time to reflect on the year behind us and the blessings we’ve received. We count each day of health, support, and opportunity as gifts, and though we feel the loss of those who are no longer with us, we’re grateful for the time we shared with them.

Thanksgiving is often seen as a uniquely American holiday, tied to the Pilgrims and their feast. But, perhaps, it has deeper roots. It’s reminiscent of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles — a harvest celebration of thanksgiving.

When I think of Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of the Hebrew word Towdah, which appears in Psalm 100:4: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name.”

Towdah, translated as thanksgiving in English, signifies not just thanks, but adoration, often associated with a posture of offering or sacrifice. It’s a reminder that Thanksgiving can be so much more than saying “thank you.” It’s about acknowledging blessings with a heart open in gratitude, surrender, and praise.

I hope this season brings you a deep sense of Thanksgiving-for gifts received, for challenges allowed, and for the opportunity to serve well. May our hearts extend in thankfulness for all that we’ve been blessed to experience.

With blessings,
Russ Adams
Director
Lapeer County EMS

Our thanks to those who took time to share their reflections.

Happy Thanksgiving!