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Community Thanksgiving fest on again in Hot Springs
BY MARGO OXENDINE • STAFF WRITER
HOT SPRINGS - Every year about this time, thoughts turn to turkey. And dressing and cranberries. And yams and yeast rolls.
Yet, behind dreams of laden plates and ladles of gravy, we all know the true reason for the season: To give thanks for blessings that, once we try to count them, turn out to be countless.
Thanksgiving is a time for football and food and, most of all, family. It's also the time when our "to do" list can seem as endless as those blessings we're trying to count.
Each year in Hot Springs, a group of volunteers makes it possible to enjoy the true spirit of the holiday: Sharing. Thanks to the strong leadership of Hella Armstrong, with a lot of help from friends, the Community Thanksgiving Feast will happen at the Hot Springs Firehouse again this year.
No one remembers quite when the community feast began. Sometime in the 1990s is the best guess. Walter and Junie Failes and their daughter, Becky Armstrong, got things rolling; but last year, due to health issues and family commitments, the Failes family stepped aside. For a day or two, it seemed as if the feast was over. Then, Hella Armstrong and her husband Cecil stepped up to the plate. Walter Failes passed away last week; still, Becky Armstrong has promised to help where she can.
Nothing much will change: There will still be worry over where the turkeys and ham will come from, who will cook them, and whether there will be a glut of mashed potatoes, or none at all. Who will do the cranberries? Will someone remember the butter, the coffee, the cream? And what about that mountain of dirty dishes, pots and pans? Who will wash them?
No worries. All these things will come together, along with at least 100 folks who show up to pitch in, and then enjoy the food and fellowship. The tables will be dressed with real linen, and darling little themed centerpieces will grace each one. There will be real flatware - no danger of breaking a plastic fork, or bending a flimsy knife. And there will be plenty of food, a veritable cornucopia of down-home, traditional delights, as well as a tasty mystery dish or two.
No one will go home hungry, that is certain. And those who can't drive themselves will find a smiling chauffeur at their door, well before the appointed time of noon. Someone will offer a heartfelt blessing. And soon, the clatter of forks on china will be drowned out by the chatter of happy folks sharing a special day.
Afterward, sturdy plastic plates will be laden with goodies, and delivered to shut-ins. The dishes will be washed, as always, by a certain fellow not normally associated with scullery duty. The collection of donations to Meals on Wheels will be delivered, and, as always, some floral arrangement, or decorated cake, will be sent up to the nursing home.
All are welcome to share in the Community Thanksgiving Feast. No stuffy attired is required - wear your hunting clothes, your pumpkin sweatshirt, or your Sunday best. Be assured, you will have a memorable time, and be thankful for the experience.
The event begins at noon Thursday, Nov. 22 at the firehouse, and lasts about two hours. Come alone, or bring the whole family. Those who are able to contribute a covered dish are encouraged to share, but that's not required. If you need a ride, call 839-2139. If you'd like to volunteer to help decorate and set the tables Wednesday afternoon, or help serve and tidy Thursday, call Armstrong at 839-2436.
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