Job Corps served up Thanksgiving dinner

MOSES LAKE - While most Moses Lake residents were asleep, students at Columbia Basin Job Corps were up and preparing Thanksgiving dinner for the community.

"I've been up since about one o'clock this morning, been working since about two," said student Autumn Coven-Walker. "We're up on a lot of coffee and adrenaline."

Students began roasting turkeys at 2 a.m. last Tuesday for the free annual community Thanksgiving dinner. Instructor Theresa Clement said students cooked 30 turkeys, 30-dozen rolls and 200 pounds of potatoes.

Clement volunteered to help with the project.

"It's my gift to my community," she said.

According to Division of Developmental Disabilities Outstation Manager Barbara Umberger, the dinner is put on by social workers working with developmentally disabled adults.

Last year, 275 guests showed up, and Clement said she is anticipating even more this year because of increased advertising.

"I have a feeling that we're going to hit probably close to 500 people," Clement said. "I wouldn't doubt it."

Student Audriana Derouin said she was awake since 11 p.m. Monday because she wasn't sure whether they would begin at midnight.

"It's worth it. It's fun," Derouin said. "It gets a little hectic, but it's still fun."

Student Andrew Ludvik said he was up since 5 a.m. Monday morning - more than 30 hours. Ludvik said he couldn't sleep because he was anxious about the event.

"It's the first catering I've done, and as far as I can tell it's going really well."

Ludvik said he was greatly enjoying the day and didn't feel tired.

Student Jesse Burger said he had four shots of coffee Tuesday morning. Burger was up nearly the same amount of hours as Ludvik.

"I think it's going really well," Burger said. "I love people and serving them, and pleasing them with food."