Celebration of Unity at Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

SPF Ministerium annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service full of hope, music, and unity.

In a time when there is often a lack of cooperation between political parties or unity among religious communities, the annual Community Thanksgiving Service sponsored by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Ministerium offered a experience of harmony and celebration. The annual service was  held on Monday, Nov. 19 at Willow Grove Presbyterian Church. More than 150 people attended the service. "Each year, the Community Thanksgiving Service is a meaningful way to celebrate Thanksgiving and express our gratitude for our community that works together and  worships God together," said The Rev. Cynthia Cochran-Carney, Pastor of Willow Grove Presbyterian Church in Scotch Plains and current president of the Ministerium.   This year a combined choir …

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Union Catholic Student Council Holds Successful Thanksgiving Food Drive

The council collected 29 baskets and 29 turkeys for the drive.

The following information was provided by Union Catholic High School. Members of the Union Catholic High School Student Council collected 29 baskets of food and 29 turkeys from fellow students, faculty and staff during their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The baskets and turkeys were donated to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scotch Plains for distribution to needy families in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Four bins of “extra” collected food items were donated to IHM’s food pantry. Pictured are the Student Council moderator and Executive Board, including (from left to right) Moderator Mrs. Kim Leegan, Media Coordinator Aspen Jennings, Vice President Rosa Cuppari, President Tom Wang, and Secretary Danielle Galasso.  

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Fanwood Mayor Wishes Residents a Happy Thanksgiving

Mayor Colleen Mahr thanks residents and town employees for their work after Sandy and wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

The following letter was provided by the Borough of Fanwood. To my fellow Fanwoodians: We have a lot to be thankful for here in Fanwood.  While many of our fellow New Jerseyans are still struggling with the loss of their homes and possessions as a result of Hurricane Sandy, all of our homes are standing and we came through the storm in relatively good shape. For those who did suffer damage to their homes and businesses, disaster aid is available by visiting the FEMA centers in Plainfield or Springfield, or by applying on line. I am thankful that no one in our town was injured.  I am thankful that we have such dedicated public servants, paid and volunteer, who worked so hard to keep us safe before, during and after the storm.  I am …

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Looking For A Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe?

If you need a new recipe for your Thanksgiving turkey, give one of these non-traditional twists a try.

There are many ways to cook everyone’s favorite holiday bird. Each family has its own special technique for cooking a turkey, whether it's using an old family recipe, adding a secret ingredient or shopping at a certain store in town that helps make the turkey taste all the better. If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, you can try any of the recipes below to add a new kick to your feast. If you're attending someone else’s dinner, hopefully their turkey will taste as good as one of these! Just the name of this recipe makes my mouth water. An Allrecipes.com user contributes this Greek take on turkey, which combines ground beef and pork with tangerine juice, rice and other ingredients for an in-bird stuffing. This one requires no pre-made …

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AAA: Plan Ahead for Thanksgiving Driving

AAA offers "Safe tow" service for drivers in Union County.

The following is a release from AAA  ----------------- Thanksgiving plans often include getting together with friends and family to celebrate and catch up. Before going out, AAA strongly encourages arranging a safe ride home beforepartaking in any festivities.   AAA works year round to educate motorists about driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce traffic-related crashes and the injuries that can result.  PreventDUI.AAA.com is an online resource offering impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice.  Once there, AAA encourages visitors toTake the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.  AAA encourages everyone to plan ahead.  Make sure that you can ride with a sober friend, call a cab, or spend …

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AAA: New Jersey Travel Projected to Remain Stable, Sandy’s Impact Unknown

AAA projections made before Sandy; impact of extreme weather on holiday travel unclear.

The following is a press release from the New Jersey branch of the American Automobile Association. ------------- The AAA projects over one million New Jerseyans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. While the 43.3 million traveling nationwide represents a small but continued increase, New Jersey numbers have remained stable. The 2012 Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 25. AAA’s survey was conducted prior to Hurricane Sandy and actual travel numbers may end up varying greatly. “The true impact that Sandy has had on travel in New Jersey and the Northeast is difficult to predict, while many residents may cancel travel plans, many others may change …

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Local Flavor

Company's Coming? Here's an Hors D'oeuvre for That

Parmesan puffs for now and to freeze for later

As we bid farewell to Thanksgiving, we welcome with open arms the "silly season." You know, a few weeks of mad shopping, parties and revelry followed by Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Eve.  It's the party season at full tilt and it's fun as long as you're organized.   Taking that first step to managing all the silliness is having an hors d'oeuvre in the freezer that's ready to go. We're not talking pigs-in-a-blanket from Costco. Don't waste your freezer space unless it's catering-quality homemade yet easy, unfussy and tasty. Parmesan puffs are just the ticket. It's amazing what a few well chosen ingredients can do: Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, a small onion and thin sandwich bread. These four flavors create an addicting little bite. …

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[Video] Shoppers Snap Up Overnight Deals During Black Friday

From Union to Watchung, shoppers in New Jersey took advantage of hundreds of dollars in savings on items from Target and Best Buy.

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