Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I have so many fond memories of whooping the Vikings in the annual Central-Northeast football game (yes, I captained the high school football team… Central mamba). I knew dinner was coming when my Grandmother and Aunt arrived at the house from DC, their car loaded with sides, deserts, and whatever crazy recipes my Aunt decided to experiment with that year. Add in some longtime family friends from Vermont and our Thanksgiving table was filled with love, energy, and great food.

That tradition remains alive only in my memories. My football-playing days are, admittedly, well behind me. The house I grew up in has long since been sold. My family has moved to the Carolinas. Some of the friends and family that were fixtures in my holidays as a child I have not laid eyes on in years, and others have passed away. However, those moments instilled core values that I take with me always and in all places.

Seasons change. They’re meant to change. My memories shape the approach that I take to elevate community, but I can’t help but wonder what traditions our children are making. I am now the anxious parent of children who have graduated from high school and are preparing to spread their wings. I’m thrilled that they have not yet “made other plans” this week, and I will do everything I can to make sure the memories that are being created around our tables carry them in the decades to come.

Enjoy your Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving. Do a turkey trot. Play some ball. Connect with friends and family. Eat something! Don’t just make memories, make really good memories!

?? Pennsylvania ranks #8 in the nation for turkey production, with 7.7 million raised in 2024.

?? The first nationally recognized Thanksgiving was celebrated in Pennsylvania in 1777 following the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga. Proclaimed by the Second Continental Congress in York, it was a solemn religious observance rather than the festive holiday we know today.

?? The Keystone State is the third-largest pumpkin producer in the nation. Over 100 million pounds of pumpkins were grown in 2024 -- perfect for pies, breads, and decorations! 

?? The first Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S. was held in Philadelphia in 1920, making it the oldest in the country. Today, the parade remains a beloved local tradition, traveling down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and broadcast for viewers at home.

With the holidays approaching, it’s important to handle your turkey safely to prevent foodborne illness. Proper thawing is key to keeping your family safe while enjoying your holiday meal. Here are three safe ways to thaw a turkey from the PA Department of Health:

?? In the Microwave: A turkey thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat can be refrozen.

 ?? In Cold Water: A turkey thawed by the cold water method should be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat from the turkey can be refrozen.

 ?? In the Fridge: Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, but there may be some loss of quality.

Small Business Saturday is this weekend. It’s a great chance to support the local shops, restaurants, and services that keep our community strong. When you shop small, more of your money stays here at home, helping local owners, workers, and neighborhoods.

If you’re able, consider stopping by a small business in our district for your holiday shopping. Even small purchases make a real difference.

Thank you for supporting our local economy and the people who power it every day.

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325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

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Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210