By Shandra Martinez | The Grand Rapids Pres…November 22, 2009, 5:00AM

From $3 toasters to half-price washer-dryer combos, the deals will be vast this Friday.

You may even be able to take advantage of markdowns before you carve the turkey — or you could sleep in Friday and shop over the weekend.

“Black Friday is really a four-day event,” said Frank Guglielmi, spokesman for Meijer, which traditionally stays open on Thanksgiving.

This year, Sears, old Navy, Walgreens and Walmart have Thanksgiving sales.

In fact, nearly all Walmart stores open on the holiday for the first time, part of a safety plan designed to diffuse the intensity of early-morning crowds Friday.

Last year, a Walmart employee in new York was killed in a stampede the day after Thanksgiving.

In any case, 28 percent of adults said they will hit the stores for Friday’s deals, and slightly more said they would shop over the weekend, according to Consumers Reports National Research Center.

“The inner shopper comes out in all of us around this time of year,” said Tod marks, of Consumer Reports. “Retailers are doing everything they can to entice shoppers.”

One sign is that The Press on Wednesday will carry inserts for eight retailers.

“That’s new this year,” said Larry Dodge, director of sales for Booth Michigan, parent company of The Press and six sister newspapers.

Readers will find the most advertisements in Thursday’s Press.

The steepest discounts might once have been reserved for Black Friday — named because historically that’s the date when stores turned a profit — as a way to jump-start the season.

But last year, retailers began turning November into one long sale as the economy was tanking.

What’s on sale?

Electronics once again will be the best deals on Black Friday, said Michelle Kane, of pricegrabber.com, a comparison shopping site.
“I think people are waiting to shop for electronics,” Kane said.

Among the specials will be Laptops, flat-screen televisions, game systems and cameras. Large-screen, high-definition TVs will go for $400-$600.

Target, which is not revealing its deals, is said to be offering very low prices on small kitchen appliances as a nod to the recession.
Kane encourages people to bring their smart phones when they shop so they can track deals online as well.

Retailers also are using social media to tout price cuts. Staples began this year using Facebook and Twitter to advertise nearly half-off prices on laptops, GPS devices and computer monitors.

Will it be in stock?

While about 70 percent of shoppers plan to snap up electronics and apparel, more than half will buy toys, Consumer Reports said. Gifts for the kids tend to be the last place parents cut back.

“The toy retailers have been the most aggressive with pricing,” said Jonathan Samet, publisher ofthetoyindsider.com. Stores are willing to use the hottest toys as loss leaders, he added.

Samet continues to warn that inventory will be an issue, since retailers and toy makers cut back in the downturn.

“Products could sell out after Black Friday and in early December,” he said. “If there is something that’s really on your child’s wish list, don’t mess around. Find it and buy it.”

With tens of thousands of items marked down, the challenge can be deciding what to buy. Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org, advises reading reviews of the
products.

“A low price on a lousy product is no bargain,” he said.

When will ads appear?

Getting a handle on Black Friday deals can also be daunting because retailers release their ads at different times.

Meijer sent out an e-mail last Sunday announcing its Black Friday sales — which are also in today’s paper.

Walmart is one of the few to hold back. its lawyers this month demanded a Web site take down a posting on its deals until Monday. The site complied.

But, Dworsky said, “more and more stores are running pre-Black Friday sales …. In some cases, it’s better than shopping on Black Friday.”

“I think people will probably throw their hands up at some point and say, ‘Why do I have to get up at 4 a.m. for this?’

“On the other hand, for some it’s a fun day.”

E-mail Shandra Martinez: smartinez@grpress.com

by Patty Miller, The Edmond Sun, Okla.

Nov. 21–EDMOND — Memorial High School junior Karli Blalock has been selected to perform at the 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The daughter of Tom and Vicki Blalock travels today to new York City for four days of practices and one rehearsal in front of NBC cameras before the performance.

Karli has attended Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y., for the past three summers, and she will join 60 fellow performers from that program in the first singing/dancing finale for the famous parade.

“We were researching online for a musical theater, and we thought Stagedoor Manor was one of the best,” Karli said. “I applied and I couldn’t believe it when I got accepted.”

although she is not currently training with a voice teacher, she takes dance lessons at Diversify in Edmond.

“I started dancing lessons when I was 3,” Karli said. “I saw my cousin in a musical and decided I wanted to take acting lessons at 7 and when I was 8 years old I was taking voice lessons.”

Karli said entertaining is her first love.

more than 400 singer-dancers auditioned and applied for the Macy’s performance troupe. there are 22 states and three countries represented in the cast, ages 10-18. Students will bring a new twist to the Santa Claus finale, performing in front of the Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street.

there is an element of surprise in the finale, Karli said, and Disney wrote the music.

in a parade recognized by most people as the official start of the holiday season, Karli will join celebrities, floats, giant balloons and marching bands in this American tradition.

“We are thrilled to be chosen by Macy’s for this exciting new addition to their program,” said Stagedoor owner Cindy Samuelson. “The preparation, the rehearsals have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these talented kids.”

Karli, 16, is appearing locally at the Lyric Academy in “George M.” this week, where she also appeared in “Broadway Bound” and “Cinderella.”

she has performed in the University of Oklahoma’s “The Scarlett Pimpernell” and appeared in Los Angeles in “White Christmas” and “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.”

“Recent films she is working on or has appeared in include ‘The Mooring’ and ‘Pearl,’ which has earned accolades and awards at several film festivals,” said Vicki Blalock, Karli’s mother.

“She also appeared in the Support the Troops Tour in new York on new Year’s Eve and Find your Grail at Edmond Memorial High School.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, celebrating the holiday since 1924, is today viewed live by more than 2 million spectators along the route and an estimated 65 million viewers nationwide.

to see more of The Edmond Sun or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to edmondsun.com/.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Edmond Sun, Okla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

A service of YellowBrix, inc.

EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH: Quiet communion, 7:15 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel; 1301 Richland St. (803) 765-9430; ebenezerlutheran.org

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH: Community Thanksgiving eve worship service, 7 p.m. Wednesday, 1717 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia. Area churches participating. (803) 794-0123

LEXINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH: “Operation Christmas Child” shoe box collection points, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, 308 E. Main St., Lexington. for more information including suggested items for the shoe boxes and printable forms, call (803) 996-8836 or visit samaritanspurse.org.

MAIN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Community Thanksgiving service, 6 p.m. Sunday, 1830 Main St. Area churches participating and guest speaker: Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Miller. (803) 779-0610; mainstumc.com

NORTH TRENHOLM BAPTIST CHURCH: “Operation Christmas Child” shoe box collection points, 2-4 p.m. today, 6515 N. Trenholm Road. for more information including suggested items for the shoe boxes and printable forms, call (803) 704-1268 or visit samaritanspurse.org.

REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD – VICTORY TEMPLE: Seventh anniversary, 5-8 p.m. today, 7116 Firelane Road. (803) 429-6998

RIGHT DIRECTION CHRISTIAN CENTER: Communitywide Thanksgiving feast, 1-3 p.m. Thursday, 3506 Broad River Road. Open to the St. Andrews/Broad River Road communities on a first-come first-serve basis. Free. (803) 798-1230

ROUND HILL BAPTIST CHURCH: Fall renewal services, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 230 Persimmon Lane, Lexington. Guest speaker: Richard Blackaby. (803) 359-3504

SHANDON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Contemplative Taize worship services, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 29, 607 Woodrow St. (803) 771-4408; shandonpres.org

SUTTON BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH: second Pastoral Anniversary Appreciation Service, 3 p.m. Sunday, 420 Sutton Branch Road, Lugoff. (803) 438-4811

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: “Operation Christmas Child” shoe box collection points, noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. today, noon-2 p.m. Sunday, 155 Blythewood Road, Blythewood. for more information including suggested items for the shoe boxes and printable forms visit samaritanspurse.org. (803) 786-7080.

CONCERTS, GATHERINGS

BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH: Annual Craft Bazaar, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today, 10000 Broad River Road, Irmo. Handcrafted items. Tables available for $5 per table. (803) 781-3900; bethlehemirmo.org

BISHOPS’ MEMORIAL A.M.E. CHURCH: Fish fry, noon today, 2221 Washington St. Sandwiches, $3; dinners, $7. (803) 254-6686

BROOKLAND BAPTIST CHURCH: Rev. Curtis Young and Angela Marie’s gospel anniversary, 6 p.m. today, 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia. Will include special guests. (803) 796-7525

ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Keith and Kristyn Getty in concert, 7:30 tonight, 6952 St. Andrews Road, Irmo. Tickets: $15. Tickets available through the church office and online. (803) 732-2273; sapc.net/pas

ST. STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH: Fall Festival, 3-6 p.m. Sunday, 119 N Church St., Lexington. Children’s activities, games, face painting, cake walks, food for sale, bake sale and more. Admission: $5. (803) 359-6562

SHANDON BAPTIST CHURCH: mark Schultz and Point of Grace “Come Alive” tour, 7 tonight, 5250 Forest Drive. Tickets: $10; artist circle, $15. To order call (800) 965-9324; (803) 782-1300; shandon.org

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL: Annual bazaar, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today, 1100 Sumter St. Featuring art, homemade crafts and food, rummage items, books, Christmas booth and silent auction. also includes children’s activities including games, train and pony rides. Benefits local charities. (803) 771-7300; trinitysc.org

WASHINGTON STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Jennifer Zoellner, organist, in concert on the renovated Ralph Rozier E. M. Skinner Organ, 7:30 tonight, 1401 Washington St. Reception to follow. (803) 256-2417; washingtonstreetumcsc.org

PROGRAMS, SEMINARS

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Lunch and speaker series; lunch, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; lecture, 12:15-12:50 p.m. Wednesdays in Jackson Hall, 1324 Marion St. Soup and salad, $5; hot meal, $6. Free parking available. (803) 799-9062

GUNTER’S CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH: Formal high tea luncheon by the Empowered Women of Service of Gunter’s Chapel, 1:30 p.m. today, 1631 Windover Road. Program begins at 1:30 p.m.; high tea lunch at 3 p.m. Adults, $12; children, $6. (803) 786-1171

PALMETTO CHURCH OF CHRIST: Divorce recovery group, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 7000 Nursery Road. (803) 781-0909

See more local church events and add your own online at thestate.com/faith.

PORTSMOUTH — Thanksgiving is one of the most charitable times of the year. if you’re in the giving mood, why not get a little exercise, too?

The Seacoast Rotary Club’s inaugural Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 26.

GO & DO

When and where: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, beginning at Peirce Island, ending at Strawbery Banke Museum

Registration: $20, $15 for ages 12 and under in advance, prices rise $5 on race day. Pre-registration 1-3 p.m. today at Seacoast Family YMCA and 1-3 p.m. Tuesday at new Heights or at portsmouthsunriserotary.org. Race-day registration at 6:30 a.m.

Contact: Midge Nelson at 498-6909 or mnelson300@comcast.net.

The 5K race begins at Peirce Island and finishes at Strawbery Banke Museum, with all proceeds benefiting local nonprofit organizations. the main beneficiary is new Heights, an out-of-school program for youth ages 11 to 18 that works to educate youth and build character as they make the transition to adulthood.

“The focus isn’t the running,” said Midge Nelson, event organizer and president-elect of the Rotary Club. “It’s bringing the community together for good causes.”

There will be 12 race divisions with the top three finishers in each division winning a prize.

Prizes include jewelry, restaurant certificates, two spa treatments and a dinner for two at Wentworth by the Sea hotel.

The top three finishers in each division will be entered into a drawing to win Red Sox 2010 season Green Monster seats and a VIP tour of Fenway Park.

Overall male and female race winners will receive $100 gift certificates to L.L. Bean. Divisions include age groups ranging from youth ages 12 and younger to grand masters ages 70 and older.

The rotary also invites team walkers and wheelchair racers to participate.

There will also be a prize for the best costume. Nelson hinted Thanksgiving theme costumes may earn more points from judges.

Nelson said families of up to six can register together for $45, $55 on race day.

There is space for 1,000 runners and 370 had signed up as of late this week.

“I was told in a first year race you only get 200 people,” Nelson said. “We’re way ahead of the target.”

While the Grinch was out stealing Christmas, Mother Nature was sneaking off with a slice of Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

Recent heavy rains in the Midwest are putting pumpkins in short supply this holiday season. Food giant Nestle, which controls about 85 percent of the canned pumpkin crop, issued a rare apology this week and said that rainfall seems to have destroyed what remained of a small harvest in its corporate pumpkin patch.

It expects to stop shipping the holiday staple by Thanksgiving. Supermarket chains say supplies are tight already, depending on the store.

In the Nashville area, Melissa Eads, a spokeswoman for market leader Kroger, confirmed that it expects canned pumpkin to become increasingly hard to find in the run-up to Thanksgiving Day.

Eads said there are cans on the shelves now, but that could change because “there is a pumpkin shortage.”

Nestle said that that once it runs out of pumpkins this fall, it won’t have more for canning until August, when the 2010 harvest starts.

This year’s shortage actually started several months ago and got worse when heavy rains saturated 5,000 acres of pumpkin fields in Morton, Ill., making it nearly impossible for tractors and other equipment to operate. much of the crop has been rotting in the field.

Nestle issued a formal apology and posted substitute recipes for desserts such as “Holiday-Spiced Baked Custard” and “Chocolate Satin Pie” on its Web site.

Nestle officials believe the crop is degrading so much that it will have to be plowed under to be used as fertilizer for next year’s pumpkin patch.

• Topics
• See more topics »

For wine lovers and those who enjoy the pairing of food and wine, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be something of a wine nightmare. There are so many different dishes, flavors and textures that no one wine can satisfy the diversity of the meal. Just about every food and wine magazine for the month of November has its own section on what to serve with each course. My personal suggestion is to serve a number of different wines that might complement some of the unique flavors in the different dishes and perhaps create an element of excitement at the table. the goal, of course, is to leave everyone happy and full of good food and exciting wines. Begin the evening with a lovely Champagne or sparkling wine. this sets the tone for the meal, as the refreshing character of the sparkler seems to lift everyone’s spirits.There is a new Spanish cava from Freixenet called Elyssia (it means “heaven”) that I am anxious to try on Thanksgiving. It’s a pinot noir brut that has aromas of raspberries and blackberries and should be a good starter for this challenging meal. the noted food and wine critic Joshua Wesson also recommends a dry sparkling shiraz, which has a lovely color to enhance and ignite this festive meal. a typical Thanksgiving dinner might include some style of turkey and gravy, some type of sweet potato dish, perhaps an assortment of different stuffings with various spices, some winter greens like kale, an assortment of special cranberry relishes and, of course, pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. this amounts to a whole gamut of tastes and textures from rich and creamy to earthy, spicy and rather high levels of sweetness. If you happen to be serving oysters on the half shell or oysters in any form, try beginning this course with a light white wine like a Chablis or perhaps a Bordeaux white wine made from the sauvignon blanc and semillon grapes. Since turkey is a rather neutral dish one can go for either a white wine like a unoaked chardonnay or you can switch to a light red wine like a lovely Beaujolais or a good pinot noir. You might even open a few bottles of the Beaujolais Nouveau that will have just been released on Nov. 19 in time for Thanksgiving. one of the biggest challenges is the stuffing, which may include family favorites such as sausage, oysters or chestnuts, and one must not forget the giblets and unique flavors of the gravy. a good pinot noir with its subtle berry flavors and earthy character may be just what you need to marry with this dish. If you are a red wine lover, try a shiraz or even a petite sirah that will offer you more body and fruit character to complement the earthy flavors of the stuffing. If you are serving collards or mustard greens that have some bitterness to them, consider pairing this with a California zinfandel, which will also complement the sweet potato dish and the relishes. when it comes to dessert, remember one generally does not serve a dessert that is sweeter that the accompanying wine. with pecan pie my recommendation would be to search out a bottle of Vin Santo, a unique style of Italian late harvest wine made from dried grapes. It is a sweet desert wine with a delicate bouquet and is a wonderful way to end the evening. I found Vin Santo at a local Total Wines shop for a Tuscan dinner we had recently. Thanksgiving turkey leftovers are a favorite in this family and a good glass of wine is always welcome after the holiday feast. try a hot turkey soup with a soft California chardonnay. our favorite is a cold turkey sandwich on a toasted onion roll and perhaps a glass of a dry rose. Create a creamy turkey casserole and pair it with a soft merlot or a young cabernet franc from Virginia. Happy Thanksgiving!Roy Williams is professor emeritus in Old Dominion University’s chemistry department. Write to him at collies2@verizon.net. COMMENTS (0) | Add Comment

Local food banks are feeling the pinch of the recession but they are dedicated to making the upcoming holiday possible for many low-income families in Humboldt.

The Salvation Army, Food for People and other community groups will be offering assistance to help provide Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. A decrease in donations has stretched some of the charitable groups’ pocket books, including the Salvation Army — general donations for the local organization are down 18 percent this year, said Capt. Tim Smith.

About 300 families in Humboldt County will receive food boxes for Thanksgiving from the Salvation Army and 125 seniors will attend the dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Smith said. The meals have been pre-purchased from the organization’s budget.

“We’re hoping to recoup that cost in the oncoming season,” he said.

The meals include ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert and “the kind of things you’d have for dinner,” Smith said. Families will also receive food staples to assist them past Thanksgiving Day.

Volunteers are already lined up for the Thanksgiving venture but cash donations or volunteers for future events are welcome to prepare the organization for the next holiday.

Humboldt County’s Food for People has also taken a hit, said operations manager Chris Wisner.

“One of our main donors just backed out so I’ve been scrambling to spend what little money we have on food,” he said.

Food for People will give out 500 frozen chickens and 300 frozen turkeys to low-income families in the Eureka area and the dinner will also include other treats including stuffing, cranberry sauce and cream of mushroom soup.

Donors can give cash or food to the group to help in the upcoming holiday season. The annual food drive will also soon begin with barrels for donations being placed in local grocery stores and other locations.

About 70 percent of the Food for People’s budget is from donations and every month the Eureka center serves about 1,000 clients, Wisner said.

Executive director of Food for People Anne Holcomb said each community food bank does something a little different to add extras to the food packages. In Eureka, they are telling families they can pick a food package for either November or December and if there are any extras, some families may get one both months.

Overall, Food for People has managed to ride out the recession.

“Even though the economy has been challenging for so many in the community, we’ve been doing pretty well,” Holcomb said.

It is unclear at this point how much the holiday food drives will collect, Holcomb said. However, the organization has had smaller, more frequent food drives throughout the year to keep the supplies steady in difficult economic times.

To help local organizations provide meals on Thanksgiving, the Melvin and Grace McLean Foundation has awarded 36 grants to groups, totaling $54,000, said executive director Leigh Pierre-Oetker. Local churches, community resource centers and organizations who received the grant, such as St. Vincent de Paul Society, received up to $2,000 each from the foundation.

The economy has had a slight impact on the foundation but Pierre-Oetker said this year’s funds are only “a little less, but not that much less” than before.

How to donate for Thanksgiving

Salvation Army: 442-6475 — cash donations

Food for People: 307 W. 14th St., Eureka, 445-3166 — food or cash donations

Allison White can be reached at 441-0506 or awhite@times-standard.com.

I really enjoy preparing for a family Thanksgiving dinner, but there’s a lot to be done before the meal is on the table. Some planning and preparation ahead of time can make the process go more smoothly. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety specialists offer the following countdown to help ensure a safe and successful holiday celebration.

Start by planning the menu and gathering recipes. Check the pantry to see what is on hand and make a shopping list of the ingredients to be purchased. Make sure you have all the needed equipment, including a roasting pan large enough to hold the turkey or other meat. And, be sure you have a food thermometer. Try to use up the foods that are taking up space in the refrigerator and freezer so there will be plenty of room for the dishes you’ll be preparing.

Thanksgiving (T) minus 6 (Friday): If you’re planning to buy a frozen bird and haven’t purchased it yet, buy it today so you have adequate time to thaw it in the refrigerator. For thawing a frozen turkey, move it into your refrigerator now. Leave the frozen bird in its original wrapper and place on a try to catch any juices that may leak from the package as the turkey thaws. Allow 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. For example, a 16-pound turkey would take 3 to 4 days to thaw. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking.

T minus 5 (Saturday): Do a thorough cleaning job on your refrigerator and other appliances. Sanitize countertops and cutting boards using a solution of 1 tablespoon unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of water.

T minus 4 (Sunday): Be sure you have all the dishes, utensils, and chairs. Plan the Thanksgiving Day cooking timetable based on the size of the turkey or other meats.

T minus 3 (Monday): Breads and some vegetable side dishes can be made ahead. Store the side dishes in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

T minus 2 (Tuesday): If buying a fresh turkey, this is the day to bring it home from the store. If you forgot to thaw the frozen turkey or don’t have room in the refrigerator for thawing, don’t panic. You can submerge the turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes defrosting time per pound of turkey. Cook immediately after thawing.

T minus 1 (Wednesday): Don’t even think of pulling an all-nighter with your turkey. It’s not safe to cook a turkey all night at 200 degrees. Nor is cooking the turkey in a paper bag recommended. The minimum oven temperature is 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure any bacteria are destroyed. Prepare wet and dry stuffing ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Don’t combine the ingredients until just before cooking the stuffing — inside or outside the turkey.

T (Thanksgiving Day): If you still need to thaw your turkey, microwave thawing is probably your only option now. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size turkey that will fit into your oven, the minutes per pound, and the power level to use for thawing. Cook immediately after thawing.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service does not recommend washing raw meat and poultry before placing it in the oven. Eliminating this step reduces the risk of cross contamination from rinse water being splashed around the sink and on the adjoining counter or other foods. Heat during the roasting process will kill any bacteria present.

The Extension office on the first floor of the courthouse has all the most current information on thawing, stuffing, cooking, and handling leftover turkey. These fact sheets are also available on the web at fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets.

Editor’s Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720 or aludlum@ksu.edu.