MARILYN HAGERTY: Nobody needs to be alone here on Christmas Eve

• Marilyn Hagerty

Marilyn Hagerty

Talk about it

The world around us draws quietly to the annual hiatus that surrounds Christmas. Families are gathering all over the Red River Valley.

And here in Grand Forks, there are preparations for the annual Christmas Eve dinner at St. Michael’s Youth Center. The tradition started 39 years ago when the Rev. William Sherman was pastor. And it was established with the feeling that no one should be alone or hungry on Christmas Eve.

The event has grown into a community-wide affair. Last year, 1,200 meals were served, according to Judy Jahnke who is chairman this year with Cadence Youngberg.

She says the doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The meal will be served from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. They are still looking for volunteers, who can call (701) 772-2624 to help. They also look for donations of pies or desserts.

“We want people to come and be with others and enjoy the Christmas music,” Jahnke said.

Last year, about 200 meals were sent out to people who are unable to leave their homes. Turkey with all of the trimmings is served on Christmas Eve. It is done with the help of volunteers and donations from people and vendors around the city.

Saucy little Shih Tzu

The annual pile of Christmas cards sits on the dining room table and brings word from friends far and near. The cards that come have more meaning with each passing year — they are a connection with people who are part of our lives. It takes a couple weeks to digest all of the messages.

As I riffled through cards this week, I ran across one to my Dachshund, Dot.Com, from a saucy little Shih Tzu named Heidi down in Ozark, Mo.

This dog grew up in Grand Forks and remembers when her mom person, Joan Norwood, would take her on long walks along the English Coulee. In 2003, her dad person, Bill, retired from his job as a driver license examiner. And they headed south to Arkansas. Heidi hated the heat and the people missed Grand Forks. They moved to Ozark, Mo., where the roads are better. But Heidi says it is too hot in summer and not cold enough in winter.

She says they keep reading the Grand Forks Herald. They want to come back up north sooner rather than later. They lived in the Gilby, Forest River area for 15 years.

Heidi writes, “I must confess I really missed the snow and the cold. It was — and still is — my favorite kind of weather.”

Ask Marilyn

Q. Have you seen any interesting license plates while out shopping?

A. Yes, as a matter of fact, I saw ATTABOY on a Ford pickup in Cabelas’s parking lot. Then I saw EYE GOLF and ME N ED.

Q. Who is Nigel?

A. Nigel is the dog who tells the story of the Iditarod Adventure of Nancy Yoshida and her sled dogs. It’s in a new book called “Nigel’s Choice.” Nigel will be with Nancy Yoshida when she signs books from 3 to 6 p.m. at Ferguson Books and Media in Grand Forks.

Connor and Marlys

Cheerful persons of the week: Connor Joseph and Marlys Murphy.

Reach Marilyn Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or by telephone at (701) 772-1055.

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