Pass the Gravy (and the Memories): Thanksgiving, 25 Years Ago
As we count down to our 25th year, I’ve been thinking a lot about tables. Not the office kind — the Thanksgiving kind. The one with the extra leaf put in, the mismatched chairs pulled in from every room, and somebody’s famous sweet potatoes in the same dish they’ve used for decades.
So this month, let’s take a trip back to Thanksgiving 2001 — just a few months before we opened our doors — and see what’s changed and what hasn’t.
What did it cost to feed the family?
Every year since 1986, the American Farm Bureau Federation sends volunteer shoppers to price out the exact same Thanksgiving menu for 10 people: turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Because the menu never changes, it’s a fun way to see how prices have moved over time.
Here’s the part that surprised me: once you account for 25 years of inflation, that $35 dinner from 2001 would cost well over $60 in today’s money. So believe it or not, the turkey and trimmings are actually a little less expensive now than they were back then. (Your gas tank may disagree.)
And a fun one for anyone who drove to Grandma’s that year: by December 2001, gas prices had dropped so low that a few cities saw gas under a dollar a gallon. Those were the days.
What hasn’t changed one bit
Prices go up and down. Phones got smaller, then bigger again. We traded the paper map for the GPS voice that gets a little too bossy. But some things about this holiday have stayed exactly the same for 25 years:
- Somebody always brings too much food, and nobody minds.
- The kids’ table is still the most fun table.
- The best part of the meal is still the people sitting around it.
That last one is what our work is all about. For almost 25 years, our caregivers have helped clients stay at home — at their table, in their traditions, surrounded by the people they love. And every Thanksgiving, some of our caregivers spend part of their holiday making that possible for someone else’s family. To each of you: thank you.
You are the reason so many tables stay full.
Let’s be intentionally Grateful this year.
We live in such a fast-paced, problem-focused world that truly feeling gratitude for the good things we do have and can experience can get lost. This year, let’s turn our energy and attention away from what we can’t control, from wasn’t isn’t exactly how we’d like it to be – and let’s allow our hearts to lean into the blessings that are present in our life.
Maybe this simple, small, intentional act will open the door for more good things to flow to us.
From all of us at Superior Home Care, we’re so grateful for you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Company News
PA Home Care Association visits Pittsburgh!
PA Home Care Association made a stop in Pittsburgh on 10/17/26 as part of its statewide Regional Meeting series for association members. The visit is meant to unite, inform, equip and encourage home care providers in our region to continue doing the good work we do.
Kim Pirilla-Scalise, our Executive Director, joined other providers in Cranberry Township for an informative day of learning and networking. Thanks to PHA for hosting a great day for SW-PA providers!
Upcoming Training Opportunities:
Mentor Training – email kim@superiorinhome.com if you want to register
Three 1-hour virtual sessions all held from 5:30pm – 6:30pm on the following days:
- November 10
- November 12
- November 17
Dementia Training
In process with Peg Chabala and Penn State! For this series we are excited to join up in partnership with LifeSpan’s care managers as we learn together how to best care for our clients living with dementia.
This group includes: Tierra Walter’s Barrett, Brianna Hollingsworth, Lesa Brownfield, Aliyah Armstrong
Annual Training Wrap Up
Each year all of our direct care team members must complete a minimum number of hours of training across certain, required topics.
- For our personal care staff – a minimum of 12 hours is required
- For our special needs staff – a minimum of 24 hours is required
In addition to this, all direct care staff must complete and pass a hands on skills competency and a new TB Risk Questionnaire form.
Make sure to check in with Cindy Harper cynthia@superiorinhome.com to ensure your training and other credentials meet this standard by 12/1/26!
Birthdays
- Derronda Spencer – November 6th
- Debra Wassel – November 11th
Anniversaries
- Tamia Clark – November 11 – 1 Year!
- Brianna Hollingsworth – November 14- 8 Years!
Caregiver Shout Outs!
- Noel Newman, Tyran Thornhill, and Agness Mulenga thank you for the strength, patience, and compassion you bring to your work every day. Even in challenging moments, you continue to show up and provide dedicated care. Please know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. We see your efforts, recognize the challenges you face, and truly appreciate each other. Thank you for all you do!
- Amber Kish – Shout Out! for transitioning right into a client waiting for service after losing a client you had worked with for months.
- Gabby Kemp – for being so willing to jump right into a schedule to fill a gap for a client in need and then calming working through the client’s struggles with that.
- Aliyah Armstrong – for being the only caregiver to show up for our Spooktacular! Office party – your spirit was like having 10 caregivers visiting us for the event!
- Lisa LaSota – for never missing a clock in and clock out for her shifts! We appreciate your consistency, Lisa!
- Jan Trumpie – for being able to return to her passion – caregiving – after recovering from her surgery. We’re so glad to have you back, Jan!
- Trisha Thomas – for being willing to help us cover a client in need at the last minute, even though it required some travel. Thanks, Trisha!
Caregiver Tips
• Please check your weekly schedule to stay informed about your assigned shifts and any changes.
• Submitting a PTO request does not mean it has been approved. Please confirm approval before making plans to be off.
• Contact Tierra, your appointed supervisor, with any questions about your schedule or the status of your PTO request.
Community Events/Special Needs Program
National Aviary Sensory Friendly Time
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.–noon. 700 Arch St., Pittsburgh
Bird exploration and activities designed for people with sensory processing needs. Sensory bags are available to borrow. Call 412-258-9439 to register and confirm admission costs. Event details HERE
Let’s have some FUN!!
Cozy Fall Staff Drop-In! Take a little break and enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, tasty snacks. Stop by the office before or after your shift for a warm treat and a little appreciation. We’re thankful for the care, compassion, and dedication you bring every day! 11/17/26
The Best Side Hustle Out There!
Are you looking for a way to earn some extra money AND help us reach more clients in need of care?
Well look no further! Our Employee Referral Program could put as much as $450 in your pocket every month.
That’s right – $450! Refer just 3 people who are hired and work at least 90 days, and you could $450 ($150 per referral).
And even better, on each referred person’s anniversary date with us for as long as they work with us – you get another $25. If you’ve referred 6 people in the year and they all stay for a year, that’s another $150.
Great caregivers are all around you – in your neighborhood, apartment building, at your child’s school or on their sports team, at church – even your own family members may be a great fit for us. Simply spread the word that we are hiring, and send them to us. You also can add anyone you recommend right in Zingage and we’ll reach out directly.
Here are areas we are currently looking for caregivers in:
- Bethel Park
- East End – DSP
- Verona – DSP
Are we friends yet??
If you’re on Facebook, becoming a friend with Superior is a great and easy way to help others get to know us – potential team members and clients. Even better, like or share any of our posts, our reach will go even further. Come on…..Let’s be friends!
Want to help us grow our reputation? It’s easy! Give us a Google review and share what you like most about being on our team!
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in West Mifflin, PA please contact the caring staff at Superior Home Care today. (412) 754-2600
Superior Home Care provides Home Care Services in the Greater Pittsburgh area, West Mifflin, Jefferson Hills, Bethel Park, Baldwin, McKeesport, Monroeville, Monongahela, Pleasant Hills, Penn Hills, Verona, Wexford, Glenshaw, and North Hills.
- November at Superior: Thanksgiving Memories, Gratitude & More Company News - October 28, 2026
- Supporting Family Caregivers During the Holiday Season - October 19, 2026
- Helping Seniors Maintain Hygiene and Dignity with Daily Assistance - October 6, 2026
