Rotary, Sherri's Place unite so that all can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together
(Talk of the Town file photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Columbia City Rotarians and community volunteers were elbow to elbow preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal for the community in 2009. Below (photo provided) Sherri Grim and Gene Smith have been ironing out the details for the 2010 meal. At bottom, Columbia City Rotarian Deb Roy was a cheerful server during the 2008 Community Thanksgiving meal at Sherri's Place.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Some of the best synergy in our community happens when people pool their resources and resolve to do what's best for the community at large.
Such is the case with the Columbia City Rotary Club joining forces with Sherri Grim, owner of Sherri's Place restaurant in Columbia City, to present the annual Community Thanksgiving Meal.
Rotarians will be bringing funds and volunteers to the table. Grim will be bringing the cooking space, her culinary knowledge and a warm place for people to spend the Thanksgiving holiday. Together, they'll create a meal for those who, for a variety of reasons, may not otherwise enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with friends this year.
According to Gene Smith, the Columbia City Rotary Club's community service chairman, the meal will be served on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sherri's Place. Smith said volunteers will continue to serve the meal until all the food is gone.
Smith added that meal deliveries will be available to home-bound residents in and around Columbia City and South Whitley. The meal will be provided to all Meals On Wheels subscribers and to any other resident who is unable to come to the restaurant.
Although the meals are provided charitably thanks to the generosity of local businesses, Rotary members and individuals in the community, a freewill offering would be acceptible and will be donated to local food pantries in Whitley County. 
Last year, the group served over 400 meals and initial projections indicate there may be well over 500 meals served this year.
Sherri's Place has been providing a free Thanksgiving meal to the community for the past eight years. The Columbia City Rotary Club has been involved for the past three years.
To reserve a home delivery, call Sherri’s Place at 244-7878 or Jacie Worrick at J & J Insurance 244-6174.