When in Windsor - December 2011

Windsor’s Caring People

Two Sonoma County organizations are planning to bring cheer and hot meals to those in need in Windsor and Santa Rosa during the holiday season.

“The Windsor Care Network (WCN) was formed in 2010 to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners free of charge to residents of the community,” said Gary Quackenbush, director of the WCN.  “Last year, these dinners were held at the Windsor Grange Hall and also at the Vineyard of Faith Lutheran Church. In 2010, over 1,000 meals were served at both events and we expect to exceed this total in 2011.”

Windsor Community Thanksgiving Dinner

This year’s free Windsor Thanksgiving dinner was held on Saturday, November 19, at the Windsor Community United Methodist Church at 9154 Brooks Road in Windsor, across from the Middle School and the Boys and Girls Club.

Pastor Mike Turgeon and his team, including chef Beverly Bailey, worked with more than 65 volunteers to make this dinner a success. Live music was provided by guitarist Stephen Easterling.

Some 551 meals were served,  including 366 dinners for those coming to the church and 185 carry out meals delivered to various points throughout Windsor for those without transportation or who have physical challenges and could not attend in person. 

About the Windsor Care Network

The Windsor Care Network is comprised of  faith-based organizations and medical/dental practices (such as William T. Conklin, DDS and Roger Hull with the Windsor Medical Alliance) in cooperation with the Barbara Brown at the Windsor Service Alliance food bank and Marie Ganister and students at the Windsor High School Vineyard Academy.  Many other concerned citizens pitch in to make these events a success. 

Free Windsor Christmas Dinner

The free Windsor community Christmas dinner will be held on December 10 at the Vineyard of Faith Lutheran Church at 167 Arata Road, near Old Redwood Highway, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. This is the second year that Pastor Lonnie Felcher and his community services team have hosted this event.  All residents of Windsor are invited and we everyone to bring family members, friends
and neighbors.

For more information, or to order carry out dinners for each of these events, call 707-322-1882 by the Friday before the dinner.

Another free holiday dinner is being planned in Santa Rosa at the Seventh-day Adventist Church at 840 Sonoma Avenue near E Street.  It will be held on Monday, December 26. This church has a dedicated community outreach team that provides food baskets and clothing to those in need throughout the year.  Of the almost 500 service organizations in Sonoma County helping those less fortunate and underserved, the Santa Rosa SDA Church is among the top ten providers of such assistance to thousands of local residents.

Live Drive-through Nativity

The Santa Rosa SDA Church is also the location for the popular  “Live Drive Through Nativity” diorama presented with music  and costumed actors depicting classical Biblical scenes.  This event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, December 16 and 17, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at 840 Sonoma Avenue in Santa Rosa.  Come early and enjoy the sounds and sights of the season.