Jennifer Livingston, Nederland. The Nederland Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held on Sunday, November 17, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nederland Community Center. Young and old thoroughly enjoyed the labor of love organized by “overall leader” Danielle Dennis-Knollenburg, “kitchen boss” Nate James, and Michelle LaPointe as volunteer coordinator. Their trifecta organizing approach works like a charm, and they were so grateful to the many enthusiastic and happy volunteers who helped make the event a friendly and delicious success. 

The Mountain People’s Co-Op donated 200 pounds of potatoes. B&F Mountain Market and Peak Wine and Spirits donated 45 turkeys. Sysco and Performance Food Group donated the stuffing. Nederland area folks brought dishes to share and stuffed a very long table full of homemade offerings. 

Huge nod to organizers, volunteers and Erin O’Brien of Keep Magnolia Clean, who worked together to ensure wholesome leftovers were delivered to a shelter, tableware was carefully purchased ensuring compostability and the amount of rubbish destined for the landfill was barely half a garbage bag. 

Small chalkboards dotted the tables inviting folks to write what they are thankful for, “everything Barbara Lawlor did for our community” was written on one of them.

Judi Anderson, a local potter and Steve Grahm, both of Pottery Lab brought clay and invited feasters to create and glaze personalized ornaments. Did you make one? Remember to get it from the Community Center on December 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No official count was taken but many hundreds of people came, met up with old and new friends and neighbors, shared space and gave thanks together in this special community event, fostering the kindness and fun Nederland is known for.

(Originally published in the November 28, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)