In Lemasters, family makes real meal for young and old

November 23, 2007|By JENNIFER FITCH

LEMASTERS, Pa. - Jayne Metcalfe hosted a "potato-peeling party" the evening before the community Thanksgiving dinner her family was hosting.

Volunteers had 275 pounds of potatoes before them Wednesday.

Metcalfe said their efforts allowed her to serve real mashed potatoes and "none of that instant crap."

The Metcalfes had 476 people register for their fourth annual dinner that outgrew their church. The Lemasters Community Center became the new site of the dinner for 2007.

"We have everybody young and old, and those of need. We have one family of 20. Their houses are too small, and they've never been able to have dinner together," Metcalfe said.

The Metcalfes and helpers delivered about 135 meals within the Tuscarora School District.

Erica Metcalfe returned from Indiana University of Pennsylvania to join her family.

"I enjoy doing it, coming home and getting ready to do it," she said while resting midday.

Erica Metcalfe said she enjoys seeing "the people who don't even know each other getting together for a meal like one family."

"I had heard a few years ago about a lady who had nowhere to go on Thanksgiving, and I said, 'That's never going to happen again,'" Jayne Metcalfe said.

Don Stevenson of Hagerstown was with a party of 13 at the dinner.

"We just like this way to celebrate Thanksgiving," said Stevenson, who was dining with the Metcalfes for the third year.

"It's very good," said Fred Gump of Greencastle, Pa.

He attended the meal for the first time and said he would come back.

"They really dished it out," Arthur Martin said.

He ate with his wife, and their son and daughter-in-law.

"If (you) want to have a good meal, come to Lemasters next year," Martin said.

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