- December 16, 2025
Joy Fluner was one of a team of church volunteers who served guests at St. James Episcopal Church's annual fish fry. Photo by Jacque Estes
Father Ernie Bennett chats with Ray and Anne Davis at St. James Episcopal church's annual fish fry. Photo by Jacque Estes
Travis Hoy, Andrea Hoy, Hilma Sanft, and Ursula Janssen enjoy a meal together at the annual fish fry. Photo by Jacque Estes
Lance Dodson tossed the ingredients for fresh coleslaw at the annual church fish fry. Photo by Jacque Estes
Theresa Lucas and Ruth Dodson in the church's new thrift store on the second floor of the church. Photo by Jacque Estes
Checking people in at the fish fry is a family affair, for Eleanor Callon, Margaret Lyon and Richard Lyon. Photo by Jacque Estes
Ruth Dodson stands at the top of the stairs that she hopes one day will be replace by an elevator. Photo by Jacque Estes
Ben Ten Eyck breads the fish to ready them for the fryer. Photo by Jacque Estes
Behind the scenes: Kenneth Wintermuth, Walter Baumann and Jeff Caputo fry up the fish for the annual fish fry. Photo by Jacque Estes
Karen Spurge serves Ursula Janssen at St. James Episcopal's annual fish fry. Photo by Jacque Estes
Breaded fish was sizzling, and fresh coleslaw was being made in the kitchen at St. James Episcopal Church on Friday, Sept. 1.
The church's annual fish fry kicked off the Labor Day weekend, with the proceeds going toward a much-needed addition for the church — a new elevator that would allow parishioners who have difficulty navigating the stairs get to the second floor, where the church offices, craft room, new thrift store and small chapel are housed.
The church has been fundraising for the past four years to raise the $75,000. “We have more than $30,000 raised so far,” Ruth Dodson, chairwoman of the Friends of St. James, said.
At the fish fry, as Ruth Dodson’s husband, Lance, mixed homemade coleslaw, Ben Ten Eyck prepared the fish for the fryer, which was under the watchful eyes of Kenneth Wintermuth, Walter Baumann and Jeff Caputo. The end result was appreciated by all, whether they ate in the dining room, or ordered carry-out.
The night was a tradition for Eleanor Callon, and Margaret and Richard Lyon. Eleanor and Margaret are sisters, Richard is Margaret’s son, and the three have volunteered to sell tickets at the door for many years.
Donations can be left in the front office of the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donations for the elevator are also appreciated. Does anyone own an elevator company?
