Adult Options celebrates Thanksgiving with Minnetonka United Methodist Church

November 26, 2014 (HOPKINS, Minn.,) – A tradition well into its seventh year, members of the Minnetonka United Methodist Church and students of Adult Options In Education came together to celebrate Thanksgiving on November 24 at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins.

AOIE English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Education Development (GED) students from the evening classes, along with church members, brought in traditional favorites such as sambusa (a Somali pastry filled with meat, onions, and other spices), wild rice casserole, pumpkin pie, and many more delicious dishes to share. MUMC volunteers served up the variety of foods to full plates and smiling faces. Each table featured Thanksgiving themed placemats drawn and colored by children from MUMC for everyone to enjoy.

To add to the holiday spirit, the Methodaires (MUMC’s female chorale group) sang a selection of songs during the meal, to the delight of everyone attending. It allowed students and volunteers to sit, eat, spend time together, and celebrate the talents that everyone has to offer. Since AOIE students come from all over the world, they may not celebrate this traditional American holiday. By having this Thanksgiving meal with MUMC, it gives them an opportunity to learn about and be a part of American culture.

Such a large and festive event would not be possible without the help of all of those involved. Want to get involved to make a difference? Volunteer with AOIE by contacting them at 952-988-5343, or volunteer with MUMC, by contacting them at 952-474-4114. All time and talent are welcome to help create a greater community.

Adult Options In Education is an adult basic education program supported through the community education departments of the Hopkins, Minnetonka and St. Louis Park school districts, along with the Hennepin County Correctional Facility. For more information about Adult Options In Education, call 952-988-5343, email adult.options@hopkinsschools.org or visit our website at www.adultoptions.org.