Bringing neighbors together one meal at a time

Sue Hodne has lived in the Colman area the better part of the past 12 years. Her family, however, lives throughout the region and she works in Sioux Falls, so her exposure to others in the community has been limited because she isnt in town often.
She would sincerely love the opportunity to meet and learn more about her neighbors and the community. Its likely shes not alone.
Meeting neighbors in todays world can be surprisingly tough, even though were supposedly more connected than ever before. Busy schedules, longer work hours, and the convenience of online communication have changed the way any of us interact. Its easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily routines without ever taking the time to meet those living just a few doors down.
So shes hoping youll join her, and others that shes rallied, to help at the first of what she hopes will become a monthly community meal.
My hometown has been doing a community meal for years, but my parents didnt initially attend because it was at a church they didnt belong to, and they didnt feel like they needed a free meal. But the point of the meal wasnt about needing anything it was about creating fellowship, Hodne explained.
Monthly dinners have now been a staple for years in Howard. Different groups, families, and businesses take turns sponsoring the meals, with the goal of creating a space for residents to enjoy food and each others company.
Hodne hopes for the same in her new town.
We just want people to come out, no strings attached, she emphasized. This is about fellowship for our community.
Colmans new monthly community meal will kick off the first Wednesday in November at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center. It will be completely free no offerings, no expectations.
The first meal will feature a simple spaghetti dinner with garlic bread and dessert. Plans are already in place for Decembers meal, and organizers hope more sponsors will step forward for future months.
While they are unsure of what kind of turnout to expect, Sue and the others now involved are excited about the potential for this new tradition to strengthen the bonds within the Colman area.
I hope this helps us all get to know each other a little better, Hodne said.