City, fish fry show Ukrainian support
Doris Doebbler, wife of Knight Tom Doebbler, serves up dessert for diners at last Friday’s Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, proceeds of which went toward Ukraine aid. BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer
The line stretched down the sidewalk as diners waited patiently to get their fried fish dinner at the weekly fish fry. BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer
The weekly Fish Fry hosted by the Knights of Columbus from St. Stanislaus Catholic Church has drawn huge weekly crowds, and on Friday the line to enter the building was down the sidewalk in front of the building.
This turnout was especially exciting because proceeds from this particular fish fry were being donated to the Ukraine Solidarity Fund.
In another show of support for Ukraine, the City of Bandera passed a resolution on March 15 expressing support for Bandera’s Ukrainian sister city of Tysmenytsia.
“Bandera stands steadfastly, staunchly, proudly, and fervently behind the Ukrainian people in their fight against the authoritarian Putin regime,” read the resolution.
Additionally, the city’s resolution express unequivocal support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged citizens to support humanitarian aid efforts to cities such as Tysmenytsia.
Tysmenytsia was officially declared Bandera’s sister city on May 19,2011.
"With the common goal and mutual desire of strengthening the ties of friendship between Ukraine and America while holding the firm belief that this agreement will contribute toward the peace and prosperity of the world, do hereby pledge to cooperate with each other as sister cities," read the sister city proclamation, which was signed by Bandera Mayor Horst Pallaske and Tysmenytsia mayor Bogdan Darchyn.
Last Friday at the church, people were standing in groups of two and three patiently waiting to get in to eat. Two tables of desserts flanked the line as they stood waiting for fresh, crispy fish to hit the serving line.
The Knights were busy getting everyone served and fed. Knights George Flores, Jerry Snelgrove, William Verr and Marcus Kaspar stood at the ready on the serving line to dish up the hearty meal to patrons.The church hall was full of diners who were chatting and enjoying the excellent fish dinner. Many opted to get their meal to go and were carrying out boxes and bags of food.
The whole community has turned out to eat fish, visit with neighbors and support the Knights in their worthy work. The Knights use the proceeds from these weekly meals to support their projects. Of note is their yearly District 41 free throw competition and championship for county youth, and scholarships for Catholic seniors. They also take care of the cemetery and parish grounds for St. Stanislaus’ and St. Victor’s churches. The Knights also take on other projects like assisting Triple H Equitherapy with grounds clearing and helping them rehab the driveway into the stables.
Long time Bandera local and army veteran, Thomas Stein, enjoyed the meal. He remarked that he had come out as a church member to have a great meal and support the Knights. “Of all the dishes, the fish is my favorite,” he said. He remarked it was “fun to see everybody” come out to eat fish. He plans to come again next Friday as well to support the Knights and St. Stanislaus.
The Fish Fry is available from 5:00 – 7:00 every Friday during Lent and on the first Friday of the month during the rest of the year at the St. Stanislaus Church Hall. Cost is $9 for a plate containing fish, hush puppies, slaw, French fries, pinto beans and tea.