April 14, 2025 newsletter

 

A beautiful good morning to you all! After several days of slush and ick, we are finally back to blue skies and slightly warmer temps...it's such a relief! And, along with the great weather, I've got nothing but good news to share with you today.

First, we've heard from so many of you who are asking what you can do about the cuts in USDA funding that have everyone worried. I just want you to know how much we appreciate all of you. You are truly a group of people who feel empathy for others, and who rise to the occasion when you are needed. We just don't know quite yet what the impacts are going to be, so stay tuned, but in the meantime...try NOT to worry. Over and over, we have moved forward with a mindset of abundance, and one or another of you have been moved to provide what we need, just in time. I want you to know that we never take that for granted or feel that we have a right to expect your generosity. That's just who you are. 💕

Next, we want to thank Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church for providing the potluck dinner last Friday. Melanie H and Erin P were amazing, and the dinner crowd was happy to have someone else cook for a change. I wish you all could have tasted the corn salad that Melanie made. Actually, come to think of it, you COULD have tasted it! You do remember that you're all invited to dinner, right? We have a lovely group that comes together every Friday, and there is always room for more...I promise we'll just build a bigger table  😊

The last thing I want to tell you about is an extremely special honor that we had, thanks to the Boston Celtics and their Community Engagement staff. I was invited to attend the Saturday game and to receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the Garden and to have Stone Soup Kitchen honored during the game. I wish I could have taken all of you, but we were limited (very generously!) to 3 guests, so of course I had to take my “emotional support husband.” We also chose to take a child who has been involved in many many many projects for us: shopping, assembling Thanksgiving bags, running a lemonade stand in the heat and a hot cocoa stand in the cold. And his Mom, of course, who has gone above and beyond too many times to count to keep us running smoothly. My thanks go out to Lin and Vinny M for accompanying us.

 
When we got there, we met up with Wura and Halle, who led us on the tour and shepherded us through the entire process. We learned so much from them about the Celtics franchise, things that I had no idea about. Did you know that the Celtics won the NBA Team of the Year award in 2025? This recognizes that team's success in things you might normally imagine, like record-breaking ticketing and partnerships (we do love our Celtics!), but it also recognizes them for their community initiatives. Individual players have also been recognized for their charitable work and community involvement. I feel that receiving this gift of a day at the Garden from this team (all of them, not just the players!) has a really special meaning since Stone Soup Kitchen's main focus is also to foster empathy and support for all members of our community. It was a lovely day, and we were very grateful to have the experience. And by the way, the Celtics won, in a nail-biter ending!

 
If you have food that you want to donate to us this week, we can take drop-offs at the pantry (through the gray door next to the parking lot on Cambridge Street) on Wednesdays from 10 to noon, Fridays from 4 to 5, and Saturdays only from 9 to 10. Please note that these are shorter hours than before, because of parking logistics. Please do not leave food at the door outside of these hours. The bin is always available at Shop n' Save if those times don't suit. Please leave a note in the bag with your name so we know whom to thank! We are located at 21 Washington Street, Suite C, Ayer MA 01432

Have a wonderful week! I love you all