PAnews.com, Port Arthur, Texas

Local News

Related Photos

  • Morgan Jones

    ymca potluck

Discussion

November 20, 2009

Y members opt for potluck instead of treadmills for Thanksgiving





By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

Word spread quickly: “Jackson made the gumbo.”

Just a few feet from treadmills and recumbent bikes, Port Arthur YMCA members crowded into a room where fudge trays and pecan pies took center stage. Tables laden with multiple rice dressing choices, boudain, stuffing and other once-a-season treats filled the buffet.

The potluck Thanksgiving luncheon Thursday gave members a chance to change up their workout routine — if so inclined — and share what makes them thankful this season.

“A Thanksgiving birthday … I just bought a house … friends …” Helen Alcini of Groves said, starting off her list with “a bundle” of items.

Living in America is at the top of the list for Tanua Snyder of Port Neches while simply being alive, good health and water aerobics at the Y makes Doris Hickerson of Port Arthur’s choice picks.

Shelvin Jackson, who brought the rapidly-depleted pot of shrimp and sausage gumbo, stood in the serving line with his wife, Cynthia. The Port Arthur couple counted grandchildren on their thankful list.

“We’re doing fine. Things are going well. We can’t complain. God is good,” Cynthia Jackson said.

Workout buddies, many in their senior years, got a chance to mingle outside of the equipment room. Some joked that they didn’t recognize each other in clothes that weren’t sweatpants. One woman said she’d know her seatmate for more than a year and didn’t realize she could cook.

“The cat’s out of the bag, now,” Alicini noted on the revelation.

With all the extra calories on the table, and inside the waistband, conversations drifted to the usual reason for visiting the YMCA. Did members get extra movement in anticipation of second helpings?

“I’m guessing no,” one staffer said, but another said he’d noticed more people in the weight room trying out the new machines.

The feast brought no change in Shelvin Jackson’s routine. He’s a regular early bird.

“I’m here at 5:30 a.m.” he said.

ddoiron@panews.com

Text Only
Local News