ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, November 28, 1996 TAG: 9611290037
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
Five-year-old Angela Helms tilted back her head with its white Pilgrim bonnet and waved her arms as she quickly passed the ear of corn to a classmate before the music stopped.
She shrieked when a classmate got caught with the corn and the shuck and had to get into the middle of the circle.
The other 4- and 5-year-olds screamed, too - relieved that they didn't have the corn when the music ended.
The children dressed up like Pilgrims and Indians on Wednesday and celebrated Thanksgiving early in what has become a tradition at Noah's Landing Preschool in Roanoke.
The children's feast featured a traditional meal, music, story and game that culminated a month of activities with the theme of friendship, giving, sharing and thanksgiving.
"It fits in with the themes that we have covered in November," said Donna Meeh, a preschool teacher for 4- and 5-year-olds. "It's a big event for the boys and girls."
The children helped make their Pilgrim bonnets, Indian head bands and costumes. Each brought foodfrom home for the meal. The children and some mothers cooked the turkey in the kitchen at the Christ Lutheran Church where the preschool is located.
Before eating the turkey, cranberry sauce, blueberry muffins and other goodies, each child named one thing that he or she was thankful for.
"My cat," said Alex Liechty.
"My family," said Brittany Clifton.
Jocelyn Kellinger said she was thankful for God.
And other children cited other things: food, mothers, sisters, dogs and squirrels.
The boys and girls folded their hands for the blessing before the meal. They exhibited their best manners as they ate.
Dennis Helms, Angela's father, brought his guitar and entertained the preschoolers with songs during the meal.
He sang several children's songs, a moving version of the religious classic, "I'll Fly Away," and a few Christmas favorites.
After the meal, 5-year-old Krae Heath's mother, Vickie, read a story to the youngsters, appropriately titled "'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving."
The boys and girls sat on the floor around Vickie in her black-and-white Pilgrim costume and listened quietly.
And then it was time for the game and the passing of the corn, chosen for its harvest and Thanksgiving theme.
Gradually, the circle got smaller as more boys and girls moved into the center. And the shrieks and laughter grew louder.
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: CINDY PINKSTON STAFF John Vangerift, 5, joins in aby CNBprayer of thanks for turkey and the trimmings at Noah's Landing
Preschool. The children made their own costumes and centerpieces for
the occasion.