LARGO - The children who turned out for the Lunch with Tom Turkey at the Highland Recreation Complex on November 18 chatted with Tom the Turkey (a recreation staffer attired in feathery costume) and gobbled down peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grapes, creme-filled cookies and other refreshments. They also enjoyed making take-home crafts and a story-time. During the crafts session, youngsters were asked to think of all the things they were thankful for and to list them on the colorful paper wreaths they were making. Most all named relatives: parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents. Some included their pets, such as the girl who wrote, "My puppy". "Sunday School" was noted on still another wreath.
The Largo Community Center hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for adults on November 16. Those attending were treated to a four-course banquet-style meal and professional entertainment. More than 10,000 runners, walkers and trotters are expected to show up on Thanksgiving morning for the 28th annual St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot in Clearwater. Proceeds will benefit a number of local charities.
Whatever the event, it's a time to celebrate our thankfulness. The Gazette is thankful for our readers and advertisers. At this time we would like to share with you the following light-hearted poem which was sent in by one of our readers (who declined to be named). She received it in a Thanksgiving card. The author is unknown. We hope you enjoy it.
'Twas The Night Of Thanksgiving
'Twas the night of Thanksgiving but I just couldn't sleep,
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned, the dark meat and white
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation
The thought of a snack became infatuation.
So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round
'Til all of a sudden I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees
Happy eating to all! Pass the cranberries, please!
May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes 'n gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs.