SitNews - Stories in the News - Ketchikan, Alaska

 

'We have much to be thankful for....'
Feature By Marie Monyak

 

November 24, 2005
Thursday


Ketchikan, Alaska - Today is Thanksgiving. Ketchikan's high winds and heavy rains can't dampen the spirits of Ketchikanites on this annual holiday - for there is much to be thankful for on this day and everyday.

President Bush on Tuesday said, "Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in the American spirit of gratitude and sharing. We see this spirit in America today. ... We also give thanks on Thanksgiving for our many blessings, and we thank those who are far away from home who protect our freedoms. It's through the courage and skill of our Armed Forces that we're safe as a nation, and we're very proud of their service."

Thanksgiving is a day that brings into focus our many blessings and also ushers in the "official" start of the Christmas season in our modern day world. And in Ketchikan as people celebrate this special holiday with family and friends focusing on their many blessings, a few people of Ketchikan shared their thoughts about what they are thankful for on this day.

 

 jpg Greg Wilks

 Greg Wilks, president of the Ketchikan Harley Riders Association, moved to Ketchikan in 1980 and has been here on and off for the past 25 years. He says he is thankful that he is still alive.

 jpg Carrie Fredrick

 Carrie Fredrick moved to Ketchikan earlier this year from Anchorage.  She is thankful for her family, children, fiancé and her job.

jpg Charlie Miller 

 Charlie Miller, A & P's "Meat Man", is thankful for his good health. Posing next to his delicious roasted turkeys, he's also thankful for a little free advertising.

 jpg Chris Brewton

 Chris Brewton came to Ketchikan from Georgia two years ago and doesn't like our rain...yet. Thankfully, that day may come.  As Ports and Harbor director he is thankful for good employees that make a great team.

jpg Jessie Kvale

 Jessie Kvale is thankful that his parents are coming down from Wrangell for Thanksgiving and that his kids and sister are all in good health. As an afterthought he added that he is also thankful that King salmon fishing was good this past summer!

jpg Jane Hanchett 

 Jane Hanchett, a proud mother, is thankful for her healthy family and that her two children are maintaining their college scholarships and that they have their cousins to visit for Thanksgiving.

jpg Kaylin Haywood 

 Kaylin Haywood just turned 10 years old. She was born in Anchorage and came to Ketchikan by way of Metlakatla. She is thankful for her family and her dog, Nala.

 jpg Gigi Lastimosa

 Gigi Lastimosa, an 8th grader, is thankful that her mom is doing her best for her and her two sisters.

jpg Bonnie Lynch

 Bonnie Lynch was retired and living in Seattle when she heard that our Salvation Army needed help.  She packed up and moved here to join in.  She is thankful for God's goodness of joy and laughter and for her health.

 jpg Mickie Turner

 Mickie Turner, the VFW's very own bartender for the past 4 years, is thankful for her family and friends.


Marie Monyak is a freelance writer and
photographer living in Ketchikan, Alaska.



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