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BY Carolyn Harmon
The Putnam Standard
November 24, 2008

The 14th Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon was celebrated Nov. 18 at Wellington’s, in Poca, with a huge buffet.

POCA - The 14th Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon was celebrated Nov. 18 at Wellington's, in Poca, with a huge buffet.

The first Thanksgiving Luncheon, in 1995, was sponsored by the Putnam County Rotary Club (PCRC). In addition to the PCRC, this year's event was sponsored by the Putnam County Commission, the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, and the Lions Clubs of Eleanor, Hometown, Hurricane, Poca, Scott Depot, and Winfield.

According to the sponsors, the purpose of the luncheon is to show an example of the accomplishments that can be made when people join together.

Tickets for $13 were purchased by those who wanted to attend.

The program began with music, an invocation, and the Pledge of Alliance.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was Dr. Bill Ellis.

After the meal, President of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Marty Chapman recognized the veterans in the crowd by asking them to stand, having a moment of silence, and reading an anonymous poem "Prayer to St. Peter," written by a World War II veteran. He also recognized elected officials and other clubs.

President of the Putnam County Commission Steve Andes spoke about the good fortune of Putnam County over the past year.

Soloist Mandy Mobley Bohm along with pianist Dr. Melissa Pratt provided music for the guests and the Rev. Dr. Rodney L. Taylor, Senior Pastor of the Scott Depot Christ Fellowship, was the guest speaker. He told the crowd that despite obstacles, Thanksgiving is good.

"Gratitude opens the door for God's graces to come in for us," Taylor said. "There may be some bad bulls in our lives but it's still good to give thanks."