The staff of CVSM are so thankful for all of our instructors, families and community!! We love hearing the beautiful music created by our students. We decided to share some Thanksgiving memories and recipes with all of you.
RECIPES
Pumpkin Dip – shared by CVSM Co-Founder Paula Hepfer
Stuffing – shared by CVSM Bookkeeper Sharon Eshleman
Baked Corn – shared by CVSM Store Manager Sheryl Gudgeon
Creamed Mushrooms – shared by CVSM Marketing & Communications Steph Allee
Squash Casserole – shared by CVSM Program Manager Heather Kline
Buttermilk Pecan Pie – shared by CVSM Marketing & Communications Steph Allee
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake – shared by CVSM Executive Director Heather McEndree
MEMORIES
“2008: My grandfather was in the final days of his life, at a personal care home. He was hospitalized on my birthday, which is always very near Thanksgiving. He was released from the hospital and put on hospice at the home. On Thanksgiving Day, I went to visit him. He wasn’t really talking any more by that day. I chattered on for a little while, letting him know that it was Thanksgiving Day and I was so thankful for having him in my life. He passed away the next day. I’m so glad that I got to tell him that.” ~Valerie Merriman, CVSM Registrar
“I grew up with a large extended family. Each Thanksgiving, we would descend on my Aunt Patricia’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone brought a dish to share, either appetizer, dinner, or dessert. My Aunt & Uncle made a HUGE turkey to feed the ravenous clan. I remember the warmth, the sounds, the people, the energy, and feeling so absolutely stuffed by the end of the evening that I felt I would not need to eat for another month – at least until it was time for Christmas dinner, LOL!” ~Heather McEndree, CVSM Executive Director
“The year I found out I was pregnant I kept it a secret until we had our Thanksgiving meal. I knew I wanted to share it during our annual “What I’m thankful for” go around the table. My brother had been (what I like to call) lovingly harassing me about having kids, and I kept telling him I might never have kids just to annoy him. So, as we went around the table on Thanksgiving I ended up being right after my brother and just happened to be the last one to go. He said his thought and then made a joke about how no one could top him. Honestly, I don’t even remember what he said. I followed and said I was “thankful for my unborn baby.” I wish I could share the look on his face, because his eyes got huge in disbelief and excitement at the same time. He shouted, “Are you for real?” He couldn’t believe it and kept asking me over and over if it was for real. He was so excited when he realized I was telling the truth. Ever since then we have joked about the year that I topped my brother and practically knocked him off his chair.” ~Heather Kline, CVSM Program Manager
