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Sue Glouner is a familiar face to Central Market enthusiasts who patronize her stand for its myriad turkey offerings — everything from jerky and sausage to snack sticks and deli meats to tenderloin and barbecue to bone-in hocks and bacon.
And that long list doesn't even include the fresh turkey orders she's receiving from Thanksgiving celebrants.
By the time customers leave The Turkey Lady — the name both the stand and the Manheim Township woman have come to share — their tote bags are full and their appetites for good conversation satisfied.
Sue Glouner, they'll tell you, is a focused listener with an easy smile and a soft-spoken sensibility.
The business has been the "bird" and butter for Glouner and stand co-owner and husband, Doug, since 2001. They still have a boat on the Chesapeake Bay and Doug designs custom fishing rods.
But it's fowl, not fish, that catches attention at market. Particularly now.
"The holiday season," Glouner said, "is just fun."
Age: 58.
Family: Husband, Doug Glouner; son, Jim Glouner; daughter-in-law, Lori Glouner; grandsons, Erik Shadle and Kyle Glouner.
Education/professional background: Manheim Township High School; attended Penn State Lancaster campus (classes at night while working). I finished the human resource certificate courses but did not pursue a degree. It's on my list of things to do.
Three things everyone should know about turkey: 1. Every day is a turkey day. 2. Turkey can be substituted in almost any recipe (turkey pepperoni, turkey liverwurst, turkey bacon). 3. Turkey is high in protein and very low in fat and calories.
The best-selling item at my stand is: We sell 18 flavors of lean, delicious turkey sausage. The flavored sausage meat is very versatile and may be used in a variety of dishes. Pasta dishes, soups, burgers and many more
Before becoming "The Turkey Lady," I worked in: Human resources at Lancaster Newspapers Inc. (31 years).
A Thanksgiving without turkey would be like: I want to say like Christmas without Santa, but I don't want to upset persons of other faiths. Actually, my father raised capons and we never had turkey at Thanksgiving. Can you imagine their reaction when I told my parents we bought a turkey business?
One little-known fact about turkey: Turkey is now considered a superfood. Studies show superfoods, being rich in nutrients, help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Turkey is a perfect example of a healthy protein source, low in fat and providing many nutrients that help build a strong immune system.
The best part of having a stand in Central Market is: The customers. Our customers are great. We look forward to seeing them and hearing their stories.
The biggest challenge is: Maintaining the refrigeration units. I've learned through trial and error how each unit operates. After eight years, I still worry constantly and check them often during the summer.
What I've learned from my customers: [They] share their lives and experiences with us. I've learned about their businesses, politics, loved ones, illnesses, clothing and hair styles, tattoos and, most of all, what they are making for dinner.
One question tourists always ask: Are we Amish?
How I describe downtown Lancaster: The veil has been lifted and a bright and exciting city has emerged. There seemed to be construction everywhere during the last year and now that it's finished, Lancaster is shining again.
For relaxation, I like to do: Anagrams on Doug's Nintendo DS.
The Web sites I frequent: Foodnetwork.com,
Epicurious.com,
Eatturkey.com (recipes),
hazlettburt.com (stocks).
My favorite foods, other than turkey: I have so many favorites ... cheese, Wendy Jo's [Homemade] cookies; and occasionally a good burger.
My guilty pleasures are: Spider Solitaire and Free Cell — my 15-minute escape before moving the piles of paper on my desk.
For exercise, I subscribe to: The Turkey Lady exercise program: Stand/walk 10-12 hours three days each week. Do numerous lunges and squats during the 10-12 hour period to retrieve turkey from the storage units under the main refrigerated display cases. Strength training is on nonmarket days and consists of lifting many boxes, each weighing 30-50 pounds.
My husband always asks me to: Rub his back.
I always tell him: He never hears me or prefers not to listen.
The best advice I ever received: Always do the best you can do.
People who never go to market are: Missing a fabulous shopping and social experience. You will always find someone you know at Central Market.
Barbara Hough Roda is Managing Editor of the Sunday News. She can be reached at broda@lnpnews.com or 481-7335.
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