ABRHS Students Join Mt. Calvary Community Supper for a Birthday Dinner

ABRHS Students Join Mt. Calvary Community Supper of Acton

To Celebrate Its 5th Birthday

On April 12th the kitchen at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church at 472 Mass. Ave was a buzz with volunteers chopping, mixing, and cooking as they prepared a scrumptious Baked Ham Dinner graciously provided by Lowe’s Meat Market of Northborough. Founded by Pastor Tim, Knapp Mike Tobia, Joan Appleton, Betty Andrews, Stan Reible, Carol Graton, Rhett Cahill, and Dawn Phelan in April 2012, the Mt. Calvary Community Supper has served over 20,000 free dinners to all those in need who wish to dine every Wednesday from 5pm to 6pm. On this particular day the dining hall was festively set with a birthday theme and everyone was in a celebratory mood. As diners arrived they began to great each other and sit with both new and old friends. Servers attended to each guest and as the evening progressed everyone delighted in the 3 course meal.

This year the celebration had a wonderful surprise. 14 AB-Regional High School Junior students requested to join the supper to share their musical talents. Riona Chen, a concert pianist in her own right, brought the Flute Choir, The Voice Choir, and a Band ensemble to play and sing throughout the dinner. It was particularly joyful when all the students and all the diners sang Happy Birthday to mark the beginning of the sixth year for The Supper.

The success of Mt. Calvary Community Supper has been remarkable. It has filled a great void for so many who rely on the weekly gathering. For some it is a time to have a meal that is home cooked, not from a microwave. For others it is a time to socialize with others rather than be alone at home. The guests are always so appreciative for the delicious meal and the friendly, welcoming environment.

Throughout each month over 60 volunteers give of themselves to make certain that all runs smoothly each Wednesday. Mt. Calvary Community Supper’s success is a testament to the dedication of these volunteers, the founders and also Carol Lake and Christine Ryan who bring their experience from a former organization that they had established. But volunteering is only one critical component of success. So much is also dependent on additional contributions.

Mt. Calvary Community Supper, the only community supper in Acton, is earnestly trying to make that difference in the lives of many through the generosity of its volunteers, sponsors, business and community organizations, fellow churches, and wonderful individuals who give from their heart with their time, gifts, and monetary donations. For example, this Birthday Celebration Dinner was sponsored by Dana Farrill, a graduate of ABRHS. He did so as a birthday gift to his mother, Pam, whose birthday was the following day.

As a community we can all have a positive impact on the fight against hunger and social isolation. We welcome you to join us individually or as a group to show that we are a caring and compassionate community. $25 will provide 10 individuals a free meal. $250 will provide an entire night’s meal to everyone.

Should you wish to support Mt. Calvary Community Supper, please consider volunteering an hour of your time or offering a donation.

Donations may be made to Mt. Calvary Community Supper, P.O. Box 1125, Acton MA 01720 If interested joining the volunteers: Contact Mike Tobia at 508-243-3891