LETS EAT - First Lutheran Church of Waldorf organized this year’s community Christmas dinner. Volunteering as servers, from left, were: Peg Sikel, Doris Waknitz, Gayette Beyer, Beverly Janike, Fauniece Witt, JoAnn Kelling, and Marlys Nelson. Below, Several people, such as Pemberton resident Ruby Isebrand, enjoyed the Waldorf Community Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 1.
Long standing Waldorf tradition
Sat, 12/31/2022 - 5:57pm
Waldorf started its Christmas celebration early with a dinner at the Waldorf Community Center Thursday, Dec. 1. On the menu were turkey and “all the trimmings” for $10. Dinners were also available to take home.
The community Christmas dinner has been a long-standing tradition shared by St. Joseph Catholic and First Lutheran Churches, with the two taking turns organizing it in alternate years, according to volunteer Fauniece Witt. “We always thought it was a great way to bring the community together,” she said. In fact, the meal began as a social opportunity for seniors, but was expanded as more and more people showed interest. “We’ve seen a lot of people come through here,” Beverly Janike claimed. “In the past, we’d be able to have about a hundred people come through per year.”
Admittedly, the event has been less well attended over time, with the Covid-19 pandemic having a large negative affect. Still, about 50 purchased meals on December 1. .
For some added fun, a photo booth set up during the meal featured a sleigh decorated with Christmas trinkets. “We had similar decorations in past years and received positive feedback,” Charles Barnes said. “We wanted to put them up again this year. If anything, it makes for great decoration.”
Despite the cold, dozens of people braved the weather to enjoy a warm meal and good company. “It’s great being able to still be able to do this every year,” Witt said.
