Chartwells Serves Up Meals for Holidays, Finals Week

Nora Betts

Sower Staff

Chartwells is hosting its Thankful Thanksgiving event at Janzow from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

“It’s the traditional Thanksgiving meal that you might get at home but with a lot more variety,” said Bob Agee, Chartwells’ director of Dining Services.

The menu posted around the dining hall includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, three types of salad, and an assortment of desserts.

The dining hall staff decorates the dining hall for the festivities and provides the annual meal as a fun event for the campus community.

“The Thanksgiving dinner we have on campus is always a highlight of my year because it serves as such a sweet reminder to me to stop and reflect on all the ways that God has blessed me through my time at Concordia so far!” said sophomore Nicole Brandmire.

A do-it-yourself hot chocolate bar is scheduled for Nov. 18 as a warm sendoff for students leaving on Thanksgiving break, according to Agee.

“Something else that people might like to know is that we do partner with Christmas at Concordia to do a community meal,” Agee said.

About 120 community members enjoy a meal after the Dec. 3 and 4 performances at St. John Lutheran Church. “We started it last year and it was well-received so maybe it will be an annual thing,” Agee said.

Chartwells also coordinates with the Student Activities Council and the CUNE administration to host Break for Breakfast, which is “a late-night breakfast right before finals,” said Chartwells’ administrative assistant and registered dietitian Jill Baack. The event attracts about 450 students, and this year is scheduled for Sunday. Dec. 11. Chartwells provides the food and Concordia faculty and staff serve.

“All students are invited regardless of whether they are on [a meal] plan or not,” Agee said.

Chartwells also prides itself on its connection with Concordia and its student employment.

“We have about 30 full-time staff and another almost 40 student staff and part-timers that work for us between the Doghouse and the dining hall,” Agee said. “Of the students that we have working for us, a large number of them are participating athletes. Our other students are involved in other music events and church-based events.”

Hayley Miles, a freshman on the CUNE Track & Field team works for Chartwells and says it gives her the opportunity to choose her schedule, so she typically works early in the morning.

“I enjoy working in the morning because it allows me to have a routine, get up at a regular time, and have the rest of my day for classes, practice, and homework,” Miles said.

Agee said Chartwells appreciates “our partnership with Concordia as it relates to student employment and being able to provide additional income for students to navigate their educational process here at Concordia.”