They say, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” but the PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition program serves up plenty of free lunches five days a week at various area locations. OK, the freshly prepared healthy mid-day meals actually cost $3 for those age 60 and older, but the program will not turn anyone away “due to an inability or unwillingness to contribute,” according to the program brochure.
If wisdom comes with age, Ken Hurst – who lives in Liverpool at age 99 – is wise as they come. Because he’s pushing 100, Kenny has been sampling the food at the various senior nutrition locations for the past 40 years, and he highly recommends them not only for the tasty vittles but also for the casual camaraderie.
Mouth-watering menus
This Thursday’s menu, on Aug. 16, offers bacon and tomato chicken salad on a croissant along with strawberry feta spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette and juicy diced peaches. On Monday, Aug. 20, PEACE volunteers will prepare open hot roast beef and gravy sandwiches, with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts and fruit cocktail. On Tuesday, Aug. 21, they’ll serve chicken broccoli divan with whole wheat penne pasta, a crisp chef’s salad, a fresh-baked whole wheat roll with pineapple tidbits for dessert.
And all meals include, coffee, tea, milk, bread and margarine.
The PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition program is presented on various days of the week at nearly two dozen locations throughout Onondaga County.
Some of the closest locations include Mondays at Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St.; Thursdays and Fridays at Norstar Apartments Community Room, 4784 Norstar Blvd.; every weekday at the Salina Civic Center, 2826 Le Moyne Ave., in Mattydale; Monday, Tuesdays and Fridays at Cicero Senior Center, 5924 Lathrop Road, in Cicero; Wednesdays at the Town of Clay Senior Center, 4948 Route 31, in Clay; Fridays at the United Church of Christ, 215 Blackberry Road, in Bayberry.
For info, call PEACE at (315) 470-3300, or visit peace-caa.org.
Teddy Bears convene here
The Teddy Bear Artist Invitational which showcases soft sculpture returns to Liverpool with the theme “A Hallmark Moment,” Thursday, Aug. 16 through Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 441 Electronics Parkway.
Some of the highest quality and rarest bears in the world will be on display, making the event a hot-bed for discerning teddy bear collectors.
The Teddy Bear Invitational was founded in 1994 by Teddy Bear artists and avid zoo supporter, Millie Gage. Millie’s vision was to assemble artists and collectors to help support the Andean Spectacled Bear exhibit at the Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton. Over time, the TBAI grew to become an acclaimed international show. It now functions as a non-profit show run by a committee under the direction of Cindy Malchoff.
The “A Hallmark Moment” Gallery and Reception begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17. The public sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. Admission costs $6 per person and free for children ages 11 and younger. Proceeds from the meet and greet reception, 50 percent of the gallery sale and general admission will all be donated to support endangered species programs at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Ross Park Zoo and the Giraffe Conservation Fund.
All convention activities – except for the Saturday show and sale – require advance registration and fees, call (518) 562-4076 or (518) 578-0006, or visit TBAI.org.
Last word
“If you go down in the woods today
You’re sure of a big surprise
If you go down in the woods today
You’d better go in disguise!
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain
Because today’s the day the
Teddy Bears have their picnic.”
– “Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” music by John Bratton, words by Jimmy Kennedy.
