Lasagna Lunch To Launch Renovation

Volunteers who are undertaking an old schoolhouse’s renovation know that homemade lasagna is the recipe for successful fundraising.

Now in its fifth year, volunteers will host a homemade lasagna lunch benefit after the Sunday morning service on March 15, at Banner Church of the Nazarene, 597 North Fork Road in Anderson.

The lunch will feature homemade lasagna, salad, garlic bread, dessert and a drink, for a donation. All proceeds benefit the New Bethel School Preservation Association, which is undertaking renovation efforts of the old schoolhouse, located west of Anderson.

Association president Karen Almeter says several volunteers will make their own lasagna, which is a sure-fire hit with patrons.

“It has become an annual event,” Almeter said. “We plan to serve around 60 people. We’ll start around 11:45 and continue to serve until the food is gone,” she said.

The old school has undergone quite a bit of renovation in the past few years. Volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore and repair the schoolhouse, which served as a school from 1915 to 1948.

Funds raised from the lasagna lunch will help continue those renovation efforts.

Volunteers also will host their annual Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 2, which will showcase different skills, a lunch from His Table Ministry, handcrafted items available in the “General Store” and more.

For more information or to help with any event, call 417-845-6855.

COURTESY PHOTO New Bethel School Preservation president Karen Almeter shows off the first fire in a new stove at the school. The coal/wood-burning stove is a new addition to the old schoolhouse, which is under renovation.

COURTESY PHOTO Almeter is working hard in the garden, spreading mushroom compost to prepare a spot for success. Almeter, the New Bethel School Preservation president, will once again host a Victory Garden this year. Veggies will be used for teaching canning classes.