The Coshocton County Beacon November 27, 2019 | Page 34

Jen Jones | Beacon
The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held Nov. 21 at Coshocton High School. Numerous volunteers helped make the dinner possible including these students. For
more photos, visit www.coshoctonbeacontoday.com.
By Jen Jones
16th annual community dinner held at CHS
COSHOCTON - Many years ago, an assis-
tant principal at Coshocton High School
asked Cathy Waibel if she would help
with an idea. Sixteen years later, she is
still working on that project – an annual
community dinner that is held at the
high school. The dinner was held on
Thursday, Nov. 21.
“I planned the meal to
serve 600. The food
service staff is fantastic.
They cooked the turkeys
and help so much.”
- Cathy Waibel
“They just never got rid of me,” Waibel
said when asked about her involvement
with the dinner. “I always plan for high
numbers. Any food that is leftover goes
to Starkey Lawrence.” There were almost
300 reservations for this year’s dinner,
but she has learned from experience that
only about half of the people that come
make reservations.
“I planned the meal to serve 600,”
Waibel said. The dinner included turkey,
mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing,
roll and a pumpkin cupcake. “The food
service staff is fantastic. They cooked the
turkeys and help so much.”
Darcy Nelson said Waibel won’t admit
it but “She loves to serve – to give back
to the community. We couldn’t do this
without her.”
Mary Waibel, Cathy’s daughter, has
helped with the dinner for many years.
“When we were growing up, mom always
taught us to help others – to give back to
the community and this is a great way to
keep that going.” Boy Scout Troop 403,
the CHS Key Club, Student Council and
FCCLA (Family, Career, Community
Leaders of America) members were all on
hand to help serve food, clear tables and
just visit with attendees. Employees of
Dean’s Jewelry, AEP and Coshocton City
Schools were also helping.
Mary said, “It’s just a wonderful way to
bring everyone together. And I think it’s
good for the students to give back. This
community supports them so much. I
can’t believe it’s been 16 years.”
Last year, Cathy contacted the Co-
shocton Veterans’ Council to see if any
veterans would like a meal delivered.
There were only a few, but this year, 12
meals were delivered to local veterans
who are unable to attend the meal. “And
a home health aide stops by and picks up
several meals for people she takes care of
and delivers to them,” Cathy said.
Senior Bree Clark helped with the din-
ner for the second time. “Meeting new
people is the best part of helping. And I
34 THE BEACON
Jen Jones | Beacon
The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held Nov. 21 at Coshocton High
School. Numerous volunteers, including Cole Moody, Michelle Turner-Ganz and Stacey
Ganz, helped to make the night a success.
always want to do my part in giving back
to the community.” Krushi Patel is also
a senior and said the best part is helping
the community in a small way.
Junior Rylee Shrimplin was helping for
the second year. “It’s great to get the com-
munity together and it’s a good oppor-
tunity for students to get involved.” This
was the first time that Sydney D’Ostroph
was able to help with the dinner. “It’s just
a great way to be with friends and help
people, too. It’s fun to watch the little kids
smile when they get their food.”
www.coshoctonbeacontoday.com
NOVEMBER 27, 2019