Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
I learned a new phrase recently from my niece who is trained as a social worker: “Unconditional positive regard.”
Therapists and social workers know the concept well. It’s the idea that no matter what they might hear from a client, they will continue to treat that client with (say it with me) unconditional positive regard.
I love that notion because while I didn’t have those exact words for it, it’s pretty much how I barrel through life. Whoever the person and whatever the situation, make the best of it.
Take the annual turkey dinner slated for Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Portales.
That event has taken place for 68 years — even longer than I’ve been around — and for the second year in a row, it’s drive-through only.
That news may have come as a disappointment to folks who relish the opportunity to crowd into the church’s fellowship hall for one of the biggest annual social gatherings in eastern New Mexico.
That’s where unconditional positive regard kicks in.
Just ask “head turkey” Shelly Atwood, who practically grew up in the kitchen at this event that was led by her parents, Gail and Sharon Cissell, for decades before her.
“We would love to dine-in again,” Atwood said. “Maybe we can do it in the future. A lot of the thing is manpower. It’s not just an event on Thursday … it’s a week-long commitment.”
So for this year again, it’s carry-out only, and here’s what I can tell you … with the aforementioned unconditional positive regard. This is going to be a great meal, even packaged in to-go containers and taken to the dining location of your choice.
Because it always is.
The pick-up lines will be open from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. in the parking lot at FUMC, 200 S. Ave. C, Portales. Tickets are $12 for all ages. If you’re buying for kids, consider having them split these generous plates.
Atwood says her experienced crew of volunteers expects to be able to fill orders quickly that day, but if you’ve been charged with picking up plates for an extraordinarily large group — say, your whole office or your bowling league — you’re welcome to call the church at 575-356-8597 and give them a heads-up.
If you have to wait in line a bit for FUMC’s legendary turkey and dressing, don’t forget to kick in that unconditional positive regard.
We can all use an extra ladle full of that.
Betty Williamson unconditionally and positively loves turkey and dressing. Reach her at:
