Residents host ‘Friends Giving’ Thanksgiving feast

Sandy Stephens

Jeff and JoAnne Braun hosted a Friends Giving Thanksgiving feast at their home Tuesday, November 22 for 72 neighbors and friends. JoAnne has an extensive background in food services but no one else we know would have taken on the challenge of hosting such a large gathering with the elaborate preparation that was needed for the day. Jeff worked his magic along with help from neighbors and friends and turned their back yard into a haven with tables and chairs to seat everyone. Jeff’s neighbor Skip Hood cooked one turkey and carved all seven turkeys after Jeff cooked them along with a couple hams. Their friends and neighbors brought the side dishes, most of which disappeared quickly, along with the spectacular cake Rose Ann Cleland, master baker extraordinaire, brought and apple pie that Mary Lou Avery made from scratch that got devoured quickly along with the other desserts. Thankfully Tuesday was a sunny beautiful day after a day of heavy rain Monday—timing was perfect along with all the company.