Loaves and Fishes fill in the gaps
Sunlight streams through stained glass illuminating an elegant dining room. Sinatra plays on the radio as the staff bustles to set tables with vibrant cloths and arrange sugar wafers for the afternoon service. The menu features a rustic shepherd’s pie topped with creamy potatoes, fresh coleslaw with a touch of raspberry vinaigrette, and a simple dessert of ice cream with a choice of bananas or mandarin oranges. The dress code is informal. As I escort one of the patrons toward the stairwell, he tugs on his collar, “Would you believe this shirt is 47 years old?”
The gentleman is a former serviceman and cancer survivor. His clothes are worn and he walks with a slight limp. There are hazy memories of Army days in the Southwest and more immediate worries about his health. On the first and third Saturday of each month he joins friends for the Loaves and Fishes free lunch provided by Trinity Episcopal Church for needy citizens of Oshkosh. The word “Arizona” is stitched above his breast pocket and he points to his chest, “I was stationed in Arizona. That’s where I bought this shirt 47 years ago.”
Reservations are not required, there is no identity check, and those who walk through the doors at 311 Division Street continue up the stairs to a great hall where they enjoy a homemade entrée, side dishes, hot coffee and sweets. For some, it will be the only meal of the day.
More here-
http://www.scenenewspaper.com/news-views/19-news-view/207-loaves-and-fishes-fill-in-the-gaps.html
No comments:
Post a Comment