Residents throughout Southwest Riverside have settled in for a day of food, football, and family. Chances are, each household has its own unique set of traditions and holiday “trimmings” that make Thanksgiving Day festivities special.
Read on for a sneak peek into what some of the Valley’s VIP’s are doing for the holidays — their plans, traditions, and memories:
Temecula City Councilwoman Maryann Edwards poses with her favorite holiday sweaters. (Courtesy photo)
“Thanksgiving Day starts early as I am up preparing the turkey and dressing, and setting the Thanksgiving table. Dad is also up early making coffee which will be served in Christmas mugs, along with cinnamon rolls with orange icing – another tradition. I will set the table with the classic Edwards Thanksgiving centerpieces – a large ceramic Fitz & Floyd rooster and hen, part of my collection started 30 years ago. On Thanksgiving day, everyone is encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater. But I’m the only one who does, and I have lots of 1980′s throwbacks which I still love. My sweater and I are the butt of many jokes throughout the day. This is my only chance to wear one of my many ugly 1980′s sweaters as the girls won’t allow them (or me in them) outside the house.”
–Maryann Edwards, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County
“Jeff and I are gratefully and ecstatically spending the day with our family, including our precious new little granddaughter!”
–Pat Comerchero, President, Friends of the Temecula Children’s Museum
“I will be spending Thanksgiving day locally with my family.”
–Ron Roberts, Temecula Mayor
Bea Barnett (Rachael Recker/SWRNN)
“My husband and I pack up the kids and drive 90 miles back to our hometown in Carson, CA, to celebrate and get together with as many family members we can over four days (especially my 86-year old mom) since they all live within 20 minutes of one another in the South Bay area. I am the only one fortunate enough to live in the Temecula Valley! My husband is practically a chef and makes culinary masterpieces daily. He even makes pies from scratch! Last year and I accidentally mixed-up two of the recipes (pumpkin and pecan pies), so he doesn’t ask me to help him in the kitchen anymore. Good times!”
–Bea Barnett, Acting Theater Manager, Old Town Temecula Community Theater
“You know the saying, ‘I always cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food!’? In our house, wine is always enjoyed – both ways. Exchange water for a 1/2 cup of Merlot when making your favorite cranberry sauce; do the same with a nice dry white, like Pinot Grigio, when making your gravy. Your food will taste extra yummy and you’ll still have wine left for a Thanksgiving toast with your friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving!”
–Peggy Evans, Executive Director, Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
Thunder the Dog (Courtesy photo)
“Spending time with the fam — parents, Thunderella, grandparents, even inviting Jackpot over. He’s going to bring some carrot cake, some steamed carrots. It’s still up for debate if the (Grounds Crew) Gorilla gets to come or not,” said Thunder, whose favorite part of Thanksgiving is the food, especially pecan pie. “When you’re a dog of my size, the appetite takes over. There’s so much to choose from.” Thunder’s message to Southwest Riverside County: “Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy some football and family time together. And get ready for some great baseball in a few months.”
–Thunder the Dog, Official Mascot of the Lake Elsinore Storm
“I’m going to be a traveling man on Thursday, heading to Boise, Idaho, to visit my mom and family and friends. It’s a time for family and reflection. It’s important to be thankful this time of the year. I try to be mindful of that. … I always look forward to a chance to reunite, be thankful and appreciate family.”
–Sean McCall, Radio Broadcaster, 16 seasons with the Lake Elsinore Storm
“I am looking forward to this being family time. Being a part of the City Council takes away from family. I’m just looking forward to a few days away and relaxing. … I’m thankful for the memories we’ll be able to create.”
–Bridgette Moore, Councilwoman, City of Wildomar
Melissa Melendez
A picture created by Lake Elsinore Councilwoman Melissa Melendez's 7-year-old son.
One of the best Thanksgiving memories is the year my mother discovered (only after the turkey had cooked for several hours) that it was rotten. When asked by us kids, ‘What’s that smell?’ her response was, ‘Dinner.’
The plans this year are to go to my in-laws for a feast, usually followed by my father-in-law and husband “resting their eyes” for a bit after dinner. We go around the table and each person says what they are thankful for. Inevitably, someone says ‘I’m thankful because this means Santa is coming soon!’
–Melissa Melendez, Lake Elsinore Councilwoman
Lt. Duane Wisehart, Hemet Police Department
“I love pumpkin pie with maple syrup on it (don’t laugh till you try it). My family and I plan to attend the annual family dinner at my sister’s house in Yucaipa. We’ll watch football too and end up tossing one around with my sons and nephews.”
–Lt. Duane Wisehart, Hemet Police Department
Matthew Shobert, Murrieta Fire Chief
“It’ll be a cozy Thanksgiving this year. My wife and I are ordering the turkey dinner from Richie’s Diner and we’re eating in. It’s certainly easy for just the two of us. We’ll order the dinner for 4-6 people and I’ll have plenty of leftovers. Aside from the delicious turkey and stuffing, the most important part of Thanksgiving for me is that it brings a time of reflection. Despite the abysmal economy, if we look hard, we all have something to be thankful for.”
–Matthew Shobert, Chief, Murrieta Fire Department
“In previous years, our family would all gather at my parents’ house in Riverside. This year my wife and I are hosting the dinner at our home, and it will be a very big family gathering. We’ll enjoy all of the traditional holiday dishes, but two of my favorites are pumpkin cake and a homemade yam dish that my wife makes-it’s really killer.”
–Jason Bailey, Director, Southwest Juvenile Hall-Murrieta
“I am profoundly grateful for the support and love our community has shown Oak Grove, both our kids and mission. Even in this down economy people have supported us in our dream to build a gym. There is so much good all around us–let us celebrate that spirit! As I tell the kids and staff at Oak Grove ‘focus on what is good and right and working instead of what’s bad and wrong and broken.’ Thank you for your support!”
–Tammy Wilson, CEO, Oak Grove Center for Education, Treatment & The Arts
Chief Sergio Diaz
“For Thanksgiving my family and I enjoy the traditional turkey, mashed potato, cranberry sauce dinner. One thing that I especially enjoy when we eat at my folks’ house is a cream of pumpkin soup that my mom prepares. I don’t know the recipe but it’s kind of a gourmet soup; very yummy!
“My favorite tradition at Thanksgiving is simply spending time with family. Our lives are so busy and the world is so chaotic…just sitting down to break bread with the ones you love should be cherished. Many of our soldiers are not so lucky…so let’s give thanks for precious time with family.”
–Lt. Tony Conrad, Murrieta Police Department
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