How would you like a hickory nut pie for Thanksgiving?

The Service Group of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio is sponsoring a hickory nut pie sale in conjunction with its annual Thanksgiving bake sale. The bake sale is  Friday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mennonite Memorial Home, 410 W. Elm St., Bluffton.

Hickory nut pies must be preordered by calling 419-358-1015, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The sale is limited to the first 50 pies ordered.

What makes these pies unique is that the hickory nuts are gathered locally, cracked, hulled, and cleaned by community member, Oliver Lugibihl. 

He is a member of The Service Group and lives in a Villa at Maple Crest Senior Living Village. In November of 2013 he suggested to The Service Group the idea of selling hickory nut pies. A goal of selling 25 was set. 

In the end, 32 pies were ordered. Several members of the Service Group helped with the baking. Sales of these pies generated over $900 for The Service Group.

The Service Group has been providing financial and service support to the elders living at Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) for over 60 years.

Representatives from eight local congregations host bake sales, provide fundraising meals, and volunteer their time at MHCO.  Each year they contribute around $10,000 to MHCO. 

Recent projects these funds helped make possible include:
• a pergola and patio furniture at Mennonite Memorial Home,
• a hair dryer at Willow Ridge,
• support of the Memory Garden and Pier Project at Maple Crest and,
• fruit and candies for elders to enjoy on Christmas morning.