Honored guests and friends of Frontier Nursing University (FNU) gathered for a holiday celebration in the historic Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center on Thursday, December 13.
32 guests were welcomed to Wendover for the annual community holiday dinner. As is tradition, each was greeted with steaming hot cider and a crackling fireplace.
Guests included Hyden, Ky., Mayor Carol Joseph; Hyden City Commissioner Bill Napier; Leslie Co. Sheriff elect Billy Michael Collett; Leslie Co. Court Clerk elect Onzie Sizemore; and Director of Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music Dean Osborne.

Hyden Mayor Carol Joseph & FNU President Susan Stone
As guests arrived, FNU Development Officer Michael Claussen conducted tours of the refurbished Big House, originally built in 1925. FNU President Dr. Susan Stone welcomed everyone for the annual event, highlighting this year’s special charity focus.
Before dinner was served, Janet Scott, a Chautauqua with the Kentucky Humanities Council, presented as Mary Breckinridge, entertaining guests with stories of the first Wendover Christmas.
The menu of garden salad, roast turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, glazed carrots, yeast rolls was paired with amiable conversation. Guests topped off the satisfying dinner with a slice of coal miners cake and ice cream.

Wendover Holiday Dinner 2018 Group Photo
Everyone enjoyed food, socializing, sharing stories, listening to holiday music, enjoying decorations and warmth of the fireplace under Mrs. Breckinridge’s portrait.
We thank the wonderful cooks that made this meal possible: Vickie Mosley, Samantha Joseph, Debbie Sizemore and Kymber Osborne. Thank you!
Plan a get-together or dinner event of your own at the historic Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center. Find out more info and check availability here.
View the photo album of the 2018 Holiday Dinner here.
Guests:
Sandra Napier and son Jonathan – School Nurse for Leslie Co. schools, Wendover Advisory Committee, Leslie Co. Saddle Club
Dean & Sarah Osborne, and daughter Royce – FNU Trustee, Director of Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music
Janet Scott – Mary Breckinridge Chautauqua character with the Kentucky Humanities Council
Debbie Gross – Hyden City Clerk
Carol Joseph – Mayor of Hyden
Billy Michael & Lida Collett – Leslie Co. Sheriff elect
Amy Brudnicki – Former Leslie Co. resident, 2018 Wendover Advisory Committee Member
Onzie Sizemore – Leslie Co. Court Clerk elect
Bill Napier – Hyden City Commissioner
Michelle Wilson – Teacher at Leslie Co. schools
Debbie Farler – Teacher at LKLP Early Start head start program
Patrick Smith – Writer for Leslie Co. Newspaper
Diane Whitehead – Manager of Stinnett Area Community Center
Rita Collett – supporter
Shirley Collett – supporter
Burgess Collett – supporter
FNU Faculty & Staff:
Susan Stone – President of Frontier Nursing University
Shelley Aldridge – Chief Operations Officer
Michael Claussen – FNU Development Officer
Tara Dykes Courier – Program Coordinator/Development Officer
Austyn Caudill FNU – Courier Program Assistant
Michael Steinmetz – Executive Vice President for Finance and Facilities
Barb Gibson – Facilities Manager
Debra Turner – Wendover Operations Manager