Every Thanksgiving, except this for this year, we have had the honor of preparing and sharing a feast with my octogenarian parents and friends in Florida. Unfortunately, this year we were not able to go, as Mike had shoulder surgery and travel would have been a bit much for him.  Although this was a great disappointment for everyone, there is a positive side; Mathew was able to attend his school’s Harvest Feast for the first time. We usually take an extended holiday during the Thanksgiving break that forced him to miss it every year until now. This year, I had the opportunity to help set up for this event. It was quite amazing to witness all the care and thoughtfulness that went into every aspect of this celebration.  Each classroom prepared a dish large enough to feed the whole school. They tried their best to purvey all the ingredients locally. The entire meal was vegetarian and had vegan options as well.  Mathew’s class made the 40 loaves of bread and 26 rolls of butter for the entire school.

To make the butter, each child was given a mason jar of heavy whipping cream to shake very vigorously until it turned into butter (Of course there was a vegan option for the butter). The Junior Level students made chili using local beans,  the Middle School students made potato-kale soup, and the Primary students made apple crisp made with apples grown by the school’s Latin teacher. Great care went into setting the tables. One student even went around to make sure all 240 knives were facing the correct way.

The principal started the ceremony calling everyone’s attention by ringing a singing bowl. Then she read a lovely poem by Dolores LaChapelle.

We give away our thanks to the earth, which gives us our home.  We give away our thanks to the river and lakes and oceans, which give away their water.

We give away our thanks to the trees, which give away fruit and nuts.

We give away our thanks to the wind, which brings rain to water the plants.

We give away our thanks to the sun, which gives away warmth and light.

All beings on earth – the trees, the animals, the wind and the rivers – give away to one another – So all is in balance.

We give away our promise to begin to learn how to stay in balance – with all the earth.

Next, the school sang a song together and then recited the blessing for the meal.

Earth who gives to us this food

Sun who makes it ripe and good

Dear earth, dear sun by you we live our loving thanks to you we give

Please enjoy your meal.

Like every event I have attended at this school, it moved me to tears. I feel so blessed that Mathew has the opportunity to be part of this amazing community of the Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca and share the Harvest Fest.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving this year.