Although it happens only once a year, some events last a lifetime. The Thanksgiving feed at the Methodist Church, organized by Diane Malecha and Janet Ettenger and served by a host of others, including the Ron Vandor family, is a true Thanksgiving tonic. I attended during the second serving, when Locked Up In Malibu and a string quartet performed. With the food, the friendly service, the music, and the improv troupe’s performance, you couldn’t find a more loving mix of people and entertainment anywhere.
The giving went both ways, as the audience had plenty of opportunity to mix with the performers and participate in the improvisation. Sharing laughter with new friends seems like the only way to celebrate Thanksgiving now.
Susie Duff, the improv troupe’s director, Diane Malecha with her wonderful staff of volunteers, and the varied musical groups gave me the best gift of all. They opened my heart to the pleasure of meeting, and laughing with, friends who live in our own backyard, at the Camp Vernon Kilpatrick Probation Camp.
Perhaps that is the real goal of Thanksgiving, to open one’s heart to strangers.
Thank you, Malibu Times and Melonie Magruder, for such good coverage. What a day. And what an invigorating start to the season of Advent.
Ann Buxie