Joan Appleton Honored by Mt. Calvary Community Super

Mt. Calvary Community Supper of Acton and Senator Jamie Eldridge

Honor Joan Appleton

On Wednesday, October 17th Senator Jamie Eldridge joined the Mt. Calvary Community Supper volunteers to honor Acton’s longtime resident, Joan Appleton upon her retirement. The Senator presented Joan with congratulations from the entire membership of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in recognition:

“Your unyielding dedication to the Community Supper in Acton, MA for 33 years since 1985. In the roles of lead cook and a Supper Manager for 25 years, you are honored for your devotion and creativity in providing a wide variety of delicious, nutritious meals for all those in need in your community.”

On a personal note, the Senator shared that he greatly enjoyed being with Joan when he was a young volunteer at supper.

In 1985, Joan Appleton joined a team of volunteers to prepare a nutritious meal to all guests who attended a weekly community supper. For 33 years she has devoted herself “to preparing an attractive and nutritious dinner and to make guests feel cared for and welcomed.” “Their lives and struggles have inspired me to continue in this position for so long."

For a short period of time, the local community supper came to an end. In 2012, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton began its own mission of a weekly supper every Wednesday night. Joan did not hesitate to offer her service to the new Mt. Calvary Community Supper. She was extremely pleased that others had also recognized the need for sustenance and community by many local residents. On Wednesday, Joan said she “has been so impressed that the guest count has continued to grow, indicating the absolute need for a Supper Program in Acton.”

For the past 6 years, Joan has imparted her long standing knowledge and wisdom with all the volunteers of Mt Calvary Community Supper. People have loved being on her weekly supper teams. Her guests have loved both her cooking and her compassion. She, too, has enjoyed the wonderful volunteers and noted, “how fortunate we have been over the years to not only attract great hard working people but those who have a true sense of compassion and care for the Mt. Calvary Community Supper guests.” ­­

We wish Joan the very best and will not say good-bye as there will always be a stool in the kitchen for her to come sit and have a chat with us.