Sheffield, Vermont -- September 16, 2010
After another long day of searching Thursday, folks in the Northeast Kingdom are still struggling to understand Pat O'Hagan's abduction.
"Shock. Absolute shock," said Jack Simons of Sheffield, "It's just not the kind of thing that happens in a town like this."
But many remain hopeful and are just trying to keep life as normal as possible. For this time of year that means attending the village's annual chicken pie supper. It's an event that O'Hagan has volunteered at for over a decade.
"Our mom has been involved with it for years," said Mark O'Hagan, "I think she was on potatoes this year."
The supper has been a tradition for well over 50 years. Every third Thursday in September folks look forward to exchanging food and conversation with their neighbors. The event's organizers thought about cancelling the dinner but then decided that's not what O'Hagan would want.
"I felt that it would be Pat's wishes to have it," said Lucille Nelson, event organizer, "She was so community oriented herself. She was a go-getter. It was also the family's wishes that we go ahead with the chicken pie supper."
Everyone there tried to put on a smile. But the missing 78-year-old grandmother is definitely on everyone's minds. Before eating, the community observed a moment of silence in her honor.
The supper is put on by the Sheffield Federated Church. O'Hagan belongs to a different congregation but that didn't stop her from volunteering. Folks say that's just the type of person she is.
"I hope she's alright. I really do," said Simons.
Jennifer Reading -- WCAX News
