GIVING THANKS

SEBRING - People couldn't help but smile when they looked at Tonya Peterson on Thursday.

With bright-colored feathers sticking out of her back, a wattle hanging from her mouth and a comb that swayed as she nodded her head, Peterson was playing the part of the turkey at the annual NU-HOPE Thanksgiving meal.

"I bet you've never been hugged by a turkey before," she said as she greeted one of the senior citizens gathered to enjoy the traditional lunch.

Peterson said she wouldn't have picked out the costume herself, but being the rookie case manager for NU-HOPE, she didn't have a choice.

"It's great to make people smile though," she said. "Everyone really likes it, so it's fun."

About 250 senior citizens gathered Friday at the Agri-Civic Center for turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, cranberries, rolls and pie.

As Clarence Rice waited for the meal to start, he couldn't resist the slice of cherry pie at his place setting.

"I always eat my dessert first, it's my favorite," Rice said with a smile.

He brought three of his neighbors to the meal, including Isabella Hall, who was enjoying her first NU-HOPE Thanksgiving meal.

"This is so nice with all the decorations and everything," Hall said. "Everyone looks so nice, too."

Rayne Cooke, a NU-HOPE nurse, said she loves seeing all her patients dressed up for the holiday.

"It's great to see everyone out and about," Cooke said. "So many of our consumers look forward to this every year. They start asking about it in September."

Sandy Foster, executive director of NU-HOPE, said the consumers enjoy the camaraderie.

"Socialization is key for the elderly," Foster said. "It's great to see everyone out enjoying each other's company."

Seeing familiar faces is what Gladys Smith, of Avon Park, likes best about the annual event.

"It's nice to get out of the house and enjoy myself with other people," said Smith, chatting with the people sitting around her as if they were long-time friends.

Thursday's program also featured entertainment and drawings for door prizes.

"Thanksgiving is about appreciation - we appreciate them and they appreciate us helping to fulfill their needs," Foster said. "This is just a chance for us all to get together and celebrate."

NU-HOPE not only provides the annual Thanksgiving feast but also hosts meals every weekday at congregate meal sites throughout the county. Other services include case management, personal emergency response systems, personal care, in-home respite care, homemaking, transportation, home-delivered meals and other home and community-based services.

Carolyn Thieme, nutrition program coordinator, said the non-profit agency serves more than 800 senior citizens in Highlands County, and services are available to anyone 60 and above.

For more information about NU-HOPE, call 382-2134.