By Carolyn McSween (Check out Carolyn’s original music by visiting www.mcsweenmusic.com)
How do we want to celebrate the good things in life? What are we thankful for and how do we want to show it?
I won’t rule out eating a big bird stuffed with herbs and buttery bread — any more than I would give up toasting the New Year. But lots of people I know are redefining the tradition for themselves and their families. They want the Thanksgiving weekend to be a meaningful celebration, not just a long-standing habit; or worse, a family obligation.
Take my friend, Bill. For the past five years, he and his wife have spent their Turkey Day in the kitchen at First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville to prepare a noon feast for fellow souls in need of a hot meal and some company. Friendship, giving, community. This is how they celebrate the goodness in their lives.
The Jaycees of Phoenixville have started up a new tradition. In honor of the gigantic harvest feast consumed on Thanksgiving, the Jaycees are hosting the “Second Annual Burn Off The Bird 5K Run) on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 8 a.m. on Franklin Commons. And even more people are expected than the 300 that participated last year.
“This is a great opportunity to bring families together to promote fitness and getting healthy,” says Kimberly Haslip, the race coordinator. But it’s not just an athletic event this year. With spaces for local businesses and organizations to join in the party, says Haslip, “We’re getting everyone involved, not just runners.”
Whether you’re a runner or a race sponsor (like Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust, who make it possible for runners to run home in a cool “Burn Off The Bird” long sleeve T), you’ll be doing something meaningful to beautify Phoenixville — not to mention yourself.
Proceeds from the race go to Phoenixville Parks and Recreation for the continued sprucing-up of the ‘Ville. As for what you earn in burned calories? Spend those proceeds any way you like. I can think of a few ways between here and Christmas, so check in with The Phoenixville Fun Guide and Phoenixville Dish, www.phoenixville.paeats.com, for some delicious ideas.
There’s still time to register for “Burn Off The Bird,” so visit www.burnoffthebird.info and get signed up now. Give a little something back to the community and see what your own two legs can do!
