“Orphans Thanksgiving” at NYC Clubhouse

For the fifth year in a row, Sea and Bill Peterson hosted an “Orphan’s Thanksgiving” meal at the NYC Clubhouse. It was really a group effort with support from Charlotte and John Ross, Kristiina Chapman, and Bonita Hensley. Charlotte’s table decorations were beautiful!

Twenty participants brought a dish each to contribute to the meal, coming together for an evening of giving thanks, sharing friendship, enjoying wonderful food, and dancing. Sea started us off with a traditional island blessing in Hawaiian, followed by a time of sharing what we were each thankful for in this challenging year. Then came the food!

Where’s a medic when you need them? Many of us fell into a near food coma after the amazingly delicious Thanksgiving feast. As it turned out, the best antidote was the Virginia Reel. While we were still digesting the turkey, stuffing, meatballs, ham, vegetables, and assorted dishes, Sea got us up for a lively foot stomping and hilarious traditional country line dance. Almost everyone, even Doug Gibson, got off their chair and danced. Then special guest and dance instructor Dorin tried to teach us the Schottische, a partnered country dance that originated in Bohemia and is particularly energetic. That effort eventually lead us back to the table for dessert.

Sharing food and conversation, giving thought to the year past and future, and enjoying the company of friends…That is what Thanksgiving is all about!

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