On a frigid January evening, while winter weather disrupted travel across much of the country, the warmth inside St. James Episcopal Church told a different story. Nearly 100 people, including volunteers, gathered for the Albion Community Gardens annual Chili Dinner Fundraiser, filling the parish hall with conversation, laughter, and the comforting aroma of simmering chili.
The fundraiser took place Friday evening, January 23, drawing a steady crowd throughout the two-hour window from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests were offered a choice of traditional chili, spicy hot chili, venison chili, or vegan chili, along with salad, beverages, and dessert. Takeout meals were also available, allowing people to support the gardens even if weather conditions kept them from staying long.
The chili dinner took place on a night of extreme cold in Calhoun County, when county government offices and courts were closed, and residents were advised to limit travel due to dangerous weather conditions…