Vignettes

Thanksgiving: A Retrospective

What did you give thanks for this Thanksgiving? Some RiverWinds staff members count their blessings—and share them with us.

When I contemplated this, my Thanksgiving column, I wanted to do something different. After all, when we look around at the devastation some people in our state have faced recently, most of us in West Deptford have a lot to be grateful for. And I know I’ve been saying that in this space for several weeks now. So I thought I’d give you all a break from my introspective musings. I came up with what I thought would be a brilliant idea for Thanksgiving. Instead of repeating my litany of gratitude, I’d turn the spotlight on others and ask them to share what they are thanking God for this Thanksgiving. Inspired, I shot out an email to our mayor and council, the police chief and other notables listed on our township website, as well as the staff …

• Photos (4)

What Are You Thankful For?

Find out what West Deptford Patch staffers are most thankful for and give us your list.

A very happy Thanksgiving, West Deptford Patch readers. At Patch, we’re thankful for all of you, everyone who helps make Patch what it is: a place for West Deptford residents to learn what’s happening in their community and contribute to the conversation. We’re thankful for our Local Voice bloggers, for our users who add calendar events and announcements to help give a fuller picture of what’s happening in and around West Deptford, for the passionate commenters and for readers who give us feedback and story ideas. Thanks for embracing Patch’s mission. We’d like to know—what are you thankful for this year? Tell us in the comments. 

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Help a Needy Family Without Leaving Your Car

Drive up your turkey donation to the Food Bank of South Jersey all day on Saturday.

Did you score an extra turkey for Thanksgiving? A needy family in our area could have a tastier Thanksgiving if you donate it and other turkey day staples. The Food Bank of South Jersey is running a drive-up turkey drive Saturday, Nov. 17 to help fill holiday tables of local families in need. Simply drive up to the food bank at 1501 John Tipton Blvd. in Pennsauken from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a staffer will take it from there. The food bank is collecting turkeys (only frozen), canned goods and boxed goods. All donations must not be expired. While you’re dropping off a turkey, don’t forget to open your wallet as well. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank of South Jersey can buy almost four entire meals for people in need. For details, contact …

•  4 Comments
• Photos (1)

Community Groups Team Up for Holidays

A number of organizations in and around West Deptford are working together during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Schools, businesses, churches and political parties broke out the turkeys and stuffing again this year, with the hope, as always, of brightening families’ holiday. And this Thanksgiving, it was all about partnership. At Green-Fields Elementary, students, teachers and parents joined together to put together their annual food drive, but the teamwork didn’t end there–guidance counselor Kelly Hansbury worked with Theresa Bond and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Infant Jesus Parish, just over Mantua Pike at St. Margaret Church in Deptford, to make those donations go even further. “It's just worked out tremendously,” Hansbury said. “It's the whole community helping each other out.” Between the school and the church, they were able to help …

• Photos (4)

What New Jersey's Doing with Leftovers

A turkey sandwich is just so lame. Try these ideas from around the state.

So the feast is over and everyone has had a good night's sleep fueled by an excess of food and drink. So what to do with the leftovers? We asked our own staffers and their friends and neighbors and of course, being Patch, scoured the Web, to find out what Jersey does the day after the feast. Of course, there's a turkey sandwich. But why not make it a bit more Jersey-specific, with a turkey Sloppy Joe? First, a bit of history: cooking enthusiast Ben Salmon explains the history of how the sandwich was invented in South Orange and rates three local purveyors. But now on to the recipe, complete with homemade Russian dressing. Ben has lots of other good ideas for leftovers, including what sounds to us like a Thanksgiving Dagwood. Want a more …

• Photos (1)