photo by: Shelley Hanson

Many Ohio Valley residents are thankful for friends and family this Thanksgiving. Enjoying lunch together at Centre Market in Wheeling on Wednesday are Ron Scott of Wheeling, Jermaine Lucious of Wheeling and Moriah David of Martins Ferry.

WHEELING — As families gather around the table today to feast on turkey, gravy and “Aunt Sarah’s homemade noodles,” they’re also reflecting on what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving.

While visiting family and getting a bite to eat at Centre Market on Wednesday, Ohio Valley residents said they are thankful for a variety of things. Family topped most people’s lists.

Moriah Davis of Martins Ferry was preparing to travel to Akron for the holiday.

“I’m genuinely thankful for my family and how supportive they are,” Davis said.

Her friend, Ron Scott of Wheeling, said he was thankful to get together with loved ones for a holiday instead of a sad occasion.

“I’m thankful for holidays like Thanksgiving to get together and there be no death involved and no one died,” he said.

Luke Wilson, 11, of Moundsville was visiting with family members who were ordering food from Coleman’s Fish Market and other eateries inside the market houses.

“I’m thankful for fish, but I don’t eat fish,” Wilson noted.

He said his favorite Thanksgiving dish is mashed potatoes with gravy.

Luke’s uncle, Mark Hatfield of Moundsville, also has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

“I’m thankful all the family made it in safe for the holidays,” he said.

Charlotte Wilson, 12, also shared what she was thankful for.

“I’m thankful for my friends and family and my Uncle Mark not working on Thanksgiving,” she said, adding that her favorite holiday dish is sweet potatoes.

Elizabeth Wilson, 9, said she was thankful for trees.

“It’s how we breathe,” she pointed out.

Elizabeth said her favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner is her Aunt Sarah’s homemade noodles. The children’s mother, Kirsten Wilson, said she was thankful for her family.

Also enjoying fish sandwiches at the market were Carol Rosen of Michigan and father Tom Martin of St. Clairsville.

“I’m thankful for my family,” Rosen said.

She noted her favorite part of Thanksgiving meals are the side dishes.

“I’d rather have that than turkey any day,” she said.

Martin also expressed thanks.

“I’m thankful I’m still alive and for my family,” he said.

Martin said his favorite Thanksgiving dish is the dressing.