FoodFinds

Czyz’s Appliance

9738 S. Virginia St., Ste AB, Reno, NV • (775) 322–3451 774 Mays Blvd. #11, Incline Village, NV • (775) 831–1300 10960 West River St., Truckee, CA • (530) 582–4400

Jake Odegard, Age 8

Welmerink Orthodontics

(775) 358-6320 • Prater Way, Sparks www.welmerkinkorthodontics.com

11th Annual Bully’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner: An Autumn Craving

By Chad KirKland, dWr Chef

When I was just a kid, each autumn meant more to me than most. As leaves churned from green to the Nevada browns of its vast landscapes, and the dry arid heat sifts to a brisk cold, I always knew Thanksgiving was upon the horizon not just from dates on a calendar—I could feel it.

Years later, I can still feel it. The smells of my grandmother’s sweet potatoes fresh from a piping oven, and the savory tastes from my grandpa’s ham, perspiring over my tongue. Nostalgia from stories of my parents, aunts’, and uncles’ past still echo over the dinner table each year as November dissolves into winter.

This is what I’m thankful for. Not just the memories, but for the opportunity to share Thanksgiving with more than my family—my community.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, my colleagues and I worked with the conscientious folks from Bully’s to deliver an autumn feast for the Reno-Sparks area. We served 1,200 plates of warm mashed potatoes, traditional cooked turkey with stuffing, and plenty more. Over 200 volunteers, combined with players from the Reno Bighorns and Nevada Wolf Pack mascot, Alphie, gave their support to make this year’s event a success.

As I ventured amongst those in attendance, listening to the nostalgia from others’ past Thanksgivings—the smells and tastes—I could not help but smile a little wider this November. Watching those in the community I’ve known since I was just a kid, for this first time I can really remember, being able to help create everlasting Thanksgiving memories for at least one other person makes this autumn once again mean more to me than most. Thank you to all who attended and volunteered to make this day special for all who was there. Have a safe, unforgettable, and delightful Holiday season!