As We Gather Together….. | November 2022
November in Rochester can be cold with yes, maybe some snow, and just plain dreary. But it is also a time, when we pause, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It is a time when we can infuse warmth into our lives by sharing a meal—whether we’re watching a football game on TV or sharing a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving meal.
We asked “What are you grateful for this year and/or what’s always on the menu at your gatherings?
Luke Auburn, senior communications specialist, University Communications
“I know that Thanksgiving means a lot of different things to different people—both good and bad—but I look forward to it every year as a low-stakes opportunity to gather with family and friends I love and reflect on how lucky I am to have them in my life. It’s my favorite holiday. And while the main turkey dinner is great, I get even more excited for the leftovers. Specifically, I love it when my mom makes her leftover turkey enchilada recipe, which is a nontraditional nod to all the different influences in her life. She’s a self-proclaimed “Army brat” who was born on a base in Germany and grew up all over the U.S. and Europe. She spent several of her formative years living in Texas and New Mexico, and I think that’s when she learned how to make enchiladas and put her own twist on it.”
Robert Bonfiglio, assistant director for Assessment and Academic Success, MCAS
“My contribution for Thanksgiving includes Nutmeg-Maple Cream Pie. I make it, the crust and the filling (and whip my cream.) It’s taken some practice to make sure it doesn't crack. I also bring along apple or pumpkin pie.”
Alexandria Collins, assistant director for Student Development, MCAS
“I am so grateful for possibility this year – I’m feeling a lot more hopeful than I have been in the past few years. My sister makes the best sweet potato pie, a recipe passed on from my grandfather that she has yet to share with anyone else. She makes batches and batches of the batter for us to freeze and use throughout the year. It’s my absolute favorite!”
Tina Chapman DaCosta, director, RIT Diversity Theater
“Well, at our family gatherings I always make pies, usually fruit pies. My daughter Ana always requests my mixed berry pie with crumble crust topping, my son Aaron has always preferred cherry pies ever since he was a little boy, and my eldest son Cannaday likes my cherry cheese cake pie. My husband José likes them all, apple may be his favorite. He always says, “Just make me a pie” whenever I want to thank him for his loving support. I’ve taught my daughter-in-love Ronnica how to make my pies so she can keep the tradition for her and Aaron’s family of four. I began making pies for family gatherings when I was in elementary school. My mother taught me, and my family has always encouraged me to bake”.
Victor Davidson, director, TriO Upward Bound
“My favorite food item that I like to eat with my family is fried chicken with homemade macaroni and cheese! I'm truly grateful to have raised my two children as a single parent and now both of my kids are in college! My daughter is in her first semester as a freshman at UAlbany! So I'm very grateful!”
Kristine Shamp, senior staff assistant, HEOP
“I’m grateful for my health, my family, and the new addition of a daughter-in-law, who we all LOVE! Reflecting on this past year, I have to say I’m so thankful and blessed in my life.”