The November 14, 2024 meeting of the Twentieth Century Club of Garrettsville got enlightenment from the program, presented by Kim Curry and Michelle Zivoder of the Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard, but not from the power grid, which, inconveniently, conked out just before the meeting hour of seven o’ clock. The undaunted presenters gave a brief history of the community operation, from its beginning with Michele and Mike Elias, intending to “Shut the Door on Hunger,” to its current functioning with connections to the Akron-Canton Food Bank, the school Snack Pack program, limited delivery service, recipes & choices, special Thanksgiving and Easter outreaches and–importantly– across-the-board community support. Individuals and businesses, groups and organizations all contribute for the needs of the NGCC, including connections to the wider community, enabling the purchase of a useful van, freezer capacity, connections of all sorts. Purchasing local as much as possible acknowledges the support for the all-volunteer local workforce and contributions. “Make It Work” is the motto for getting the job done, even as the requests for services climb. Schedules/calendars are available for those wishing to participate in the program; application is not difficult. Special needs are considered in operational decisions. Grants are applied for and have been received. We are all in this together. We are doing our best to close that door.
The regular business meeting followed, only partly in the dark. The new contribution box for donations was named the “Cents of Joy” container. There are thoughts on changing the constitution, policies and by-laws; a committee has been appointed. Betty Clap has been made an honorary member. Roll call at the meeting on December 12, will be a food bank donation, the Spring Party will be on April 17 (Correction). The finger food refreshments were excellent, as usual, provided with the assistance of co-hostesses Carol Torda and Kathy Countryman–and not in the dark either.
