By Sue Moore
Feeding Eagle football fans before the team’s Friday-night home games has been a tradition of the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church for over 34 years. “It’s a good fundraiser for the church, which is strategically located on Grand Street, only four short blocks from the football stadium,” says Dottie Neal, the organizing guru behind the meals.
“I couldn’t let the tradition cease so I’ve volunteered once again to take charge. I have lots of wonderful chefs and kitchen helpers so I don’t have to do any of the cooking myself,” Neal exclaims. She’s experienced around a kitchen; she ran a restaurant and catering business for many years in Kalamazoo.
Neal is ably assisted by another renowned chef, James Dean, who will be responsible for the September 8 dinner featuring chicken and biscuits. The doors will be open from 5-7 p.m. on that evening as well as pasta night September 22 with Nancy Lubovich in charge; for Harry Reeves’ famous meat loaf dinner October 13 and baked chicken mashed potatoes and gravy offered by Shari Mulligan on October 20. The team had its first home game on August 24, when Mulligan cooked pulled pork and chicken barbecue.
The community is invited to the all-you-can-eat offerings, the fellowship and the chance to support the church’s mission and the school’s football team. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children from ages 6-11, with kids 5 and under free.