Thursday, November 19, 2009 — Apple pie, juicy turkey, and mashed potatoes were among the smorgasbord (from the Swedish smörgåsbord, meaning assortment) of scents that drifted through the chilly air. They immediately made Kelly Kimbell, Millsberry's ruling snowboard champion, feel right at home.

"This is my favorite time of year," Kelly explained. "After all my traveling, there's nothing I'm more thankful for than my family, and a home-cooked meal. And I need to soak it all up before I leave again for my winter tour!"

This made us wonder what other citizens might be thankful for, this time of year.

We noticed that the holiday spirit was spilling into the streets—as with the many citizens proudly wearing new Pilgrim costumes, and heading to Grow Good Farms.

A citizen summed it up just right, saying, "I'm thankful that there's a place in Millsberry where we can help others get the food they need. Everyone should keep tending to their farms so more money gets donated to Feeding America! There's no better time than right now to help others."

Well said. We then headed to the Academy Cafeteria to talk to Mrs. Grubbly, Millsberry Academy's lunch lady. She told us that she's thankful for the great selection of new Thanksgiving items, available downtown, including turkey-shaped oven-mitts, old-fashioned aprons, iron stoves, rustic table-and-chair sets, turkey soup, and pumpkin pancakes with hot cranberries!

Talk about some great reasons to go shopping!

Elsewhere at the Academy, teacher Mrs. Seashore told the Gazette that our timing was perfect. She explained, "We've just started talking about the Pilgrims—some of the first people to celebrate Thanksgiving."

"After the Pilgrims came ashore on the Mayflower," Seashore continued, "they were extremely thankful for a good harvest. They were also thankful for the Native Americans, who taught them how to fish and farm. I get so fascinated with these stories, and trying to imagine what life was like back in 1621, I guess you could say I'm thankful for my job, which allows me to teach children about history! I'm even letting them wear their Pilgrim costumes in class. It really helps them get into the subject."

Over at another Millsberry "school," Dojo owner Siobhan Hidaka was finishing up some front-kicks but was eager to talk to us. "I can't wait to cook for my family!" she said, grinning wide. "I'm perfecting my carrot-pumpkin-orange soup for the occasion. It's healthy and delicious, and made up of bright, happy colors. In my family, I'm known for adding a little 'kick' to the menu!"

Siobhan promised she'd invite us for a tasting once the dish was complete, and we promised to return! And that gives us something to be thankful for—thanks Siobhan!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Gazette!