Editor,

Wow, the 204 people who brought their favorite Thanksgiving offering to the community potluck at the Coupeville Recreation Hall certainly put on a feast! Thanks to each and every one of you for adding your special touch to the wonderful meal we all enjoyed together.

Until I read Molly Larson Cook’s letter in the Dec. 12 Examiner, I had no idea that this annual celebration, which has been going on for 15 years, could have been seen as a stopgap measure against poverty.

So, thanks, Molly, for your letter because the party is simply that — a big party — where we can all gather, gorge, gossip and go home replete.

Sorry to rain on your column, Harry Anderson. Poverty exists here on the island as it does elsewhere, but there is no poverty of spirit or catering to it at the community potluck. It is, frankly, only another piece of calling Coupeville “home.”

Perhaps thinking of it as a continuation of the Coupeville Saturday Market into November may sharpen the focus.

As Nathan Whalen quoted me in his article, “It’s just an opportunity to get together,” which we did.

Thanks, everyone, and we’ll see you next year for number 16!

Sandey Brandon

Coupeville