The 2011 HANA Thanksgiving Potluck

A Community Celebration

In 2009, HANA had its first Thanksgiving Potluck. It was a very successful event, resulting in the decision to make it an annual occurrence. Residents volunteered to buy and prepare the various elements of a basic turkey dinner, provided other food items along with paper and plastic goods, and did the set-up and clean-up. As always, our invaluable neighborhood partner the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ agreed to host the event, allowing us to use their meeting hall and kitchen. It was a huge undertaking, but has been enjoyed by upwards of 50 people each year. This year was no exception.

After last year's mishap of a home oven fire that incinerated one of the three turkey we had planned to cook, we opted to have one of our experienced neighbors use his smoker to cook three of our four turkeys this year. It turned out to be a wise move, as the turkeys were not only cooked to perfection, but they were also delicious! We had support from various businesses and government offices who contributed salad, desserts, rolls, plastic and paper goods, and even a turkey and some vegetables. Various neighbors brought potluck items to share, including a group from The Haven, who brought a huge pan of a delicious rice, meat and vegetable mixture, along with some extra cans of yams (just in case).

As always, the hall was packed with diners and everyone seemed to enjoy not only the food but each other's company. We rang the opening bell at about 6:20 p.m., and our neighbors from The Haven led an early assault on the dessert table which helped us clear a little table space. Thanks, girls! ; )

For a couple of hours, people ate and talked, and then ate and talked some more. As people departed, we packed up doggie bags of leftovers for those who wanted them. As in past years, we did our best to see that very little food went to waste.

To relive the event, or to see what you missed if you weren't able to attend, see the Thanksgiving Potluck Gallery below.