Tasty contribution

Culinary students make Thanksgiving dinner In the spirit of the season, The Advertiser-News contacted the Sussex County Technical School’s Culinary Arts Department to help a local family in need. We paid for the food, the students prepared and packaged a Thanksgiving feast and a local family will enjoy the meal with all the trimmings and desserts. According to Culinary Arts teacher Gary Scully the process took the students five to six hours of labor. Scully, who has taught the program for almost 18 years, said that while they prepare meals for diners at their in-school cafe, this is the first time they’ve prepared a meal for a family. “I think it’s wonderful. It’s the best holiday because it’s not about gifts, but about family.” Students prepared the turkey and 10 additional dishes. Walter’s Produce of Blairstown donated a fruit basket. Chef Chad Gasiorek’s Commercial Baking Class created a turkey shaped cake and apple and pumpkin pies. “I think it’s a great idea and I wish we could do more for local families,” he said. “It would be nice if one year we could do a soup kitchen.” Gasiorek said students frequently volunteer their time but are not looking for accolades. “They do it because there are a lot less fortunate people out there,” he said. “When times are tough, there’s someone who has it tougher.” “The students do a nice job and this is motivational,” said vice principal Greg Schrader. “The great component is there is a nice goal in mind.”