Donna Klein

Growing up, Thanksgiving meant high school football games, a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and time with family that lived close by. Aunt Eileen would come by early and help with the cooking. Mom taught me to bake when I was a child, so I helped by making the pies the day before the holiday, starting around age 12. After dinner was done and the dishes were put away, we’d talk and play games. Oh, and later we would eat some more from the leftovers. What is it about leftovers that make them taste even better than the first time around? It was a fun time filled with many memories that linger to this day!

Today, like many people, we live far from family. We tried solitary celebrations, but I think we can agree it’s not the same. It’s the people that truly make the holiday. It isn’t easy as we age, either. The people we know and love and build memories with are fewer. The shared experiences begin to diminish. Half the fun is rehashing memories with those who were there!

So, we looked for opportunities to be with people we know and love closer to home. We’re grateful to have found the Community Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Ignatius in Rogers City. It’s a free (reservations required) event celebrating the holiday and our community that is sponsored by all area service organizations and local churches.

Dinner is early at St. Ignatius; it starts at noon. Behind the scenes, it starts 24 hours or more earlier! Volunteers set up the gym, cook the food, collect baked goods, decorate tables, and more in preparation for the day.

Whatever the weather is outside, it’s warm and welcoming as soon as you enter the St. Ignatius school. The aroma is the first thing that envelopes you as you go through the door, gently guiding you toward the good time with good people. Everyone is greeted with a smile and sometimes even a hug as you enter the gym. Friends and neighbors call out “hello” with more smiles and hugs to go around. As big as it is, the gym feels as cozy as if you’re sitting around the hearth.

The food is always top-notch as it is made with love by volunteers. It’s warm, flavorful, and plentiful. The variety means there’s something for almost everyone. Don’t get me started on the desserts! I love pumpkin pie, but I usually pick out something I know I’m probably not going to make at home. I think we have some of the best cooks and bakers up here!

One of my favorite things to do while we dine is sharing fellowship and conversation with people we’ve not seen in a while. Catching up may mean lending an ear to someone who needs to talk or a shoulder to someone who needs a little support. We’re a community and we’re together. That’s the important thing. No one needs to be alone. I also appreciate that it is free. No one goes hungry, especially on Thanksgiving. The only thing missing is the leftovers. It’s a fair trade-off.

To volunteer or make a reservation, call 989-734-2753, 989-734-3580, or 989-734-3929. Wherever you are and whatever you do this Thanksgiving, my family and I wish you a very happy day!