January & February 2006
McCarthy:—Our town may be small in numbers, especially during the winter, but local residents of McCarthy and Kennicott make much of the holidays. Some times, however, it takes plenty of courage to venture out-of-doors.
Thursday, November 24, made its entrance with snow, mist, ice pellets and, last but not least, freezing rain. A few folks stayed home and celebrated around their own tables, but the majority walked or snowmachined to either the Tony Zak center or the McCarthy-Kennicott Community Church to sample the traditional Thanksgiving dinner fare.
Kennicott resident Marie Thorn attended the Zak dinner which took place at 2:30 pm. Marie, who showed up early to get the wood stove fired up, discovered the stove pipe was plugged with ice. Thankfully another neighbor arrived in plenty of time to give Marie an extra hand at dislodging the ice. By the time the twenty plus guests arrived, Marie says the smoke had pretty much dissipated.
Two cooked turkeys were supplied by Joe Macchina of the McCarthy Lodge with a terrific variety of desserts. Once dinner was finished, Marie says some stayed behind to try their hands at a card game or two.
Another 15 locals showed up at the church at 4:00 pm. I attended this gathering and can attest to the great food and fellowship. Turkey, homemade dressing and gravy was prepared by Laurie Rowland. Plenty of side dishes and desserts filled the church’s kitchen counter. While we relaxed from all the hard work of “eating,” Anna Wallin set up her radio so we could catch the story behind Thanksgiving which came to us by way of a new local radio station, KIAM out of Nenana. To round out this special occasion, attendees gathered around the keyboard singing favorite songs and ended the evening giving thanks.
McCarthy area celebrates Thanksgiving
January & February 2006
