An Event Not of be Missed
Myself and my friends - a group of 5 of us - showed up at about 2:45pm. There was a small lineup of no more than 20 people waiting for tables in the large hall. Inside of 10 minutes the lady at the reception called out 'group of 5' - and proceeded to show us to our table.
Within a matter of minutes - a really nice man, Stash, came by - asking us what we would like to drink and giving us the choice of coffee, tea, water or apple juice (fresh). At that point he also asked us if we were ready to eat - to which we all said yes! Almost immediately he returned with our beverages and right behind him were two other volunteers carrying the 5 heaping plates of food.
The meal was exceptional! It featured wonderfully cooked turkey - a generous helping of extremely tasty stuffing - a very large dollop of mashed potatoes with a delectable gravy - a medley of vegetables including buttered peas, carrots and corn and a very ample helping of cranberry sauce. We all tucked into the meal voraciously - and all five of us agreed that everyone involved in putting this on had outdone themselves of the highest order!
The meal closed with Jane - one of the volunteers - bringing us over a tray of desserts - of which we each got to choose two. We all opted for the caramel cake - which to my senses tasted like a carrot cake with cream cheese icing. I also had something which resembled a Toll House cookie - and was equally scrumptious. In addition - one of our friends - Gary - had a special request of a takeout meal for a lady who had planned to come but was not able to. Jane handled this and within minutes was back with a takeout meal.
In speaking with the organizers at NDG Community Council over the last several weeks - their expectation was that they were going to serve in excess of 1,000 meals over the 6 hour span. There were approximately 50 tables of 5-6 people/table and the dining hall was full and abuzz with banter and laughter. Having been in the bar/restaurant business and catered several events for 150-200 diners - I understand the challenges which present. I'd like to thank NDG Community Council Executive Director Halah Al-Ubaidi and Director Julie Cormier - as well as all the staff and volunteers for not only putting on this amazing event - but in the process creating a memorable afternoon/evening for every person present.
This blog is about helping people to see Heaven on Earth - in the here and now. Today was yet another very vivid example of a day spent therein. Ny hope is that as you move through the end of 2024 and into 2025 - that your Heaven on Earth moments become more plentiful and that they coalesce to form a greater part of your everyday.
Wishing you peace, love and joy always...
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