Thanksgiving edition offers potluck of pieces for reader enjoyment

Holidays are hectic, and it's important to take time to take time to relax, and what better way to do it than with our overstuffed pre-Thanksgiving paper.

The Wednesday, Nov. 22, edition will be bursting with local news and features, highlighting the vibrant parts of our community.

Reporter Jim Martin takes us behind the scenes of the lost art of shining shoes, giving readers a look into the day on the job with Greg Ranson. Why does he provide this service in a world where many work from home, and why is he so passionate about his profession? Dive in to the piece to see.

The revitalization of Union City is explored by the Times-News' Valerie Myers, who provides an in-depth report on the grant-fueled renaissance happening in the southeastern Erie County town. From the new gateway, to updated parks and home and business facade improvements, the changes have been immense, with more to come in 2024.

Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania and disabilities advocate Christine Vasui is profiled by AJ Rao, who chronicles the story of a young woman advocating not just for herself, but for better pay for personal care attendants.

Our Showcase cover gets glamorous, featuring Erie native and "RuPaul's Drag Race" finalist Alaska in all her glittering glory. She will be gracing the stage of the Erie Playhouse with "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like ALASKA ...A Christmas Show." Jennie Geisler speaks with Alaska's family, and gives a peek behind the curtain of what attendees can expect.

Looking for local all-star athletes? Turn to sports in the B section to see which of your favorite high school football players were selected to the All-Region Football Teams and picked as region players of the year.

Also in sports, learn about the history of hockey in Erie on Thanksgiving, including the appearance of many players with the Erie Otters who became current and former NHL stars after skating on local ice during the holiday.

A bonus inside Wednesday's edition is a special Thanksgiving section, including a 12-page broadsheet section covering topics including food, a gift guide and a giant crossword puzzle.

We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

The Thursday, Nov. 23, paper also will be filled with quality local and national stories, and it is available only as an e-edition, a digital replica of the print newspaper. Visit GoErie.com or https://erietimes-pa.newsmemory.com for eNewspaper access.

Your digital paper: How to get the most out of the Erie Times-News eNewspaper

Melissa Lee is a local editor of the Erie Times-News. She can be reached at mlee@timesnews.com.

Tony Battaglia is a local editor of the Erie Times-News. He can be reached at tbattaglia@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Thanksgiving edition is packed with local