Kyle & Kaia Mahrer hosted a full table of dinner guests at their home in Rutland on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23. Those in attendance included Kyle & Kaia Mahrer and their children, Brody, Julia, Adalyn & Kaitlyn, Pearl Brakke, Becky Parrow, Nell Brakke, Jesse Brakke, Steve Thorfinnson, and Bill Anderson. The large table in the dining room/kitchen of the Mahrer home was originally used in the dining hall of a large Bonanza Farm in the Park River ND area. Kaia’s grandmother, the late Kathy Brakke of this community had acquired the table about 30 years ago. Kaia recalls that, at the time the table was given to Kaia, her grandma’s instructions were to use the table often, and to keep it full. The Thanksgiving Day menu included: ham, prime rib, mashed potatoes & gravy, green bean casserole, salad, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert. All agreed that the dinner was top-notch in both quality and quantity.

Saturday evening guests at the Bill Anderson home on Saturday, Nov.25, included Chuck Sundlie, Aden Kohler, Joanne Harris, Andy Harris, Mike Harris, and Vern Leist. Papa Murphy’s Pizza was the main, and only, dish served. The pizza party was held to honor the memories of the Late Susan Anderson, Kathy Brakke, and Renee Cramton. Back in the day when Kathy & Sue, with the assistance of Renee, used to have their crafts & collectibles sale on Thanksgiving afternoon, the day was closed out with a pizza supper in the kitchen of Kathy’s home at 318 First Street. This year the pizza was enjoyed at 309 Gay Street, Susan’s home.

The Rutland Senior Center was full of activity on Thursday, November 30, after the noon dinner with a surprise party for Janet Kiefer. Janet has been the main cook at the Rutland senior center for nearly twenty-five years. Watch for more news on the event in next week’s column!

The Lariat Bar will host its first trivia night on Friday, December 1, starting at 7 p.m. Local rumors indicate that there will be a few teams participating and there are even some individuals who have been contacted by more than one team, so the competition has already begun. Sounds like Friday is the night to hang out at The Lariat.

On Saturday, the Rutland Community Club Santa Day will be held at the community center starting at 5 p.m. Bingo and a free-will spaghetti supper will be offered along with plenty of activities and crafts for the kids. The event is scheduled to end at 7 p.m.

The Rutland American Legion Auxiliary members are busy cooking and baking up a storm for the free-will bake sale on Sunday, December 3, starting at 8 a.m. at the City Hall. Stop in for the Rutland-Cayuga Rural Fire District free-will pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hall and get the fresh baked goods before they are gone.

The Rutland City Council public hearing on the proposed sidewalk project special assessment will be Monday, December 4, at City Hall starting at 5 p.m. This is an opportunity for residents to provide input and comment on the upcoming project. The monthly City Council meeting will be held immediately following the public hearing.

Stay up to date on Rutland activities and events on the Rutland Facebook page and on the Rutland City website. The City of Rutland will soon have its own app through the Living Local program and information on this will be out soon so watch for this new, fun way to keep informed on Rutland activities. Residents will be able to get notifications on recycling day, check the city calendar, and, yes, pay the water bill through the app. Have a great week.