Thanksgiving – The Media Pub News (TM)

A week ago, residents at Edison Housing Authority were looking forward to their Annual Turkey Giveaway, and this year they were thankful for the generosity.

This group participates in Edison Housing Authority Turkey Giveaway to its residents last Friday.
— Provided photo

Many residents celebrated Thanksgiving with their families yesterday by enjoying a meal that included the turkeys that the community provides for those in need during the holiday.

Martina Cruz gives thanks each year for the Annual Turkey Giveaway that took place Nov. 22 at the EHA, where she lives with her son and granddaughter.

“My family has really benefitted from this program,” she explained. “The money I save on buying a Thanksgiving dinner, I am able to spend on other necessities. I also love that the Housing Authority gives other food products like cereal that we use on a daily basis.”

Another EHA resident and neighbor also shared Cruz’s sentiments. Doris Bradly, who lives alone said, “I am thankful I can enjoy a good meal on a special day like Thanksgiving.”

This year’s Turkey Giveaway provided many households at EHA with a reason to celebrate. Families enjoyed a Thanksgiving with a table laden with traditional dishes.

“Everyone’s efforts provided us the opportunity to feed 150 families that came out last Friday to receive dry goods and turkeys,” reported Deborah Hurley, EHA executive director.

“We even had a few packages left over to provide to our Sect. 8 families that participated in our ‘Homeownership Program’ on Saturday morning. We truly could not have provided our families with these resources, if it weren’t for our donors’ prompt responses.”

Donors that lend a hand to the Turkey Giveaway community effort include the support of EHA’s commissioners; Edison Twp.; donations from many EHA service providers, which include EHA Chair Carlos N. Sanchez, Commissioner Chris Mazauskas, McLaughlin Stauffer & Shaklee, P.C; Polcari & Company; Netconnect; Breslin & Breslin; Stateside Affairs; Federal Business Center, Inc.; Shoprite of Edison; and Hymanson, Parnes & Giampaolo.

“The Turkey Giveaway brings the community together to give a helping hand to those who need one, which is especially felt during the holiday season,” said Sanchez.

“This is truly a team effort for a great cause. The Turkey Giveaway is an effort, fueled by amazing generosity that makes a difference in so many lives,” he said.

The EHA creates, offers and provides qualified lower income families the best opportunities for affordable, safe and decent housing and communities.

EHA’s goal is to significantly contribute to families achieving and sustaining economic self-sufficiency.

Michelle Dryden is an experienced newspaper journalist with a master's degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University, — Michelle Dryden is an experienced newspaper journalist with a master’s degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University, and a bachelor’s degree in traditional journalism from Rider University.

It was several years since I last visited paradise–my native country–Jamaica, where I spent a milestone birthday in July.

Going back after so many years away was a real treat that really allowed me to relax, instead of thinking much about the fact that I am now a middle-aged lady who has more to accomplish in her life.

However, living in the United States for more than 23 years, has taught me that the diversity here makes this country strong and interesting, attracting millions of immigrants each decade.

I enjoy living in New Jersey and dressing for the drastic changes in temperatures each season, but I prefer summer months. For that reason, I try to have a taste of the tropics all year.

Whenever possible, I also like to introduce others to my native culture. Thanksgiving Day is an opportune time to do this.

I usually spend the day with my family and we usually have guests who are sometimes not Jamaicans. I usually invite our guests to sample some of our native foods. Last year, we watched original Jamaican movies with our Haitian guest. In the past, we have also listened to Jamaican Christmas music or reggae music at Thanksgiving.

While I embrace being an American citizen, I am always celebrating my heritage. Throughout the year, I cook with Jamaican curry powder and eat other Jamaican foods. In the summer months, I like to go out to listen to live reggae bands.

The U.S. is considered a melting pot that welcomes immigrants from all over the world. The different ethnicities usually start businesses, such as restaurants that feature their native dishes. Some immigrants, like the Chinese in Chinatown, New York City and Philadelphia, build communities here in the U.S., which resemble their native homelands.

Some Jamaicans have done the same, in Miami, for example. We have a vibrant heritage that we like to share. Jamaicans have roots from all over the world. The country’s motto states: “Out of many, one people.” The majority of the population is of African descent. “Indians, Chinese, Irish, and many more have left their imprint on Jamaican culture,” states a Jamaican travel website.

I was very excited to experience a piece of paradise earlier this year. Although Jamaica has changed a lot over the years, still a lot remain the same. The tropical plants are still beautiful. The sea still looks clear and blue. The beaches are still breathtaking. The landscape is truly amazing.

According to an article on Jamaica-gleaner.com, “Over the years, Jamaica’s compelling natural beauty has attracted more than a few individuals of worldwide acclaim.”

The article mentions the “swashbuckler movie hero, Errol Flynn, who had an abiding love affair with Port Antonio,” the capital city of the parish of Portland. This parish is located just north of the popular Blue Mountains.

British writer, Ian Fleming, was also attracted to Jamaica, land of beauty. Fleming created British spy, James Bond.

There was also Noel Coward, who along with Fleming, were both “pulled” to Jamaica’s north coast.

Jamaica’s natural beauty is just the beginning of the attraction. But it gets more exciting when one begins interacting the with locals, starts partying, and eating the food. The experience makes you want to visit again.

On Thanksgiving Day, tomorrow, I look forward to having tasty Jamaican dishes. I like to experience other cultures as well. So, I try other foods too.

Jamaicans embrace diversity just like the United States does. The island’s motto, “Out of Many, One People,” is basically saying we are one. There are many faces, many races, but we are one spirit and one heart.

Bob Marley’s reggae music encourages us to unite.

At Thanksgiving we can extend our experience of the “melting pot” here in the United States. Many will celebrate by tasting different dishes. We can all celebrate our cultures and our foods with each other.

As we remember to give thanks at Thanksgiving, we should also remember where we are from and why we are living in the United States. Many of us left loved ones in our native countries to be here. Some of us are here because of political oppression, job opportunities, university scholarships and many other reasons.

The United States is a haven to many and we might have ties to other countries but we have to give thanks to be here for many reasons.

It is wonderful that we can express our diversity. It is great that I can visit my native country and share my experiences here. The island of Jamaica is truly a beautiful experience and I look forward to having a piece of paradise at Thanksgiving.