Much work and effort by staff and resident volunteers went into the fun, community Harvest Dinner in November at Cascadian Terrace in Portland, OR. Residents worked in the community room the whole day, or just hung out there in order to participate in the festive atmosphere. The meal was healthy and delicious, with a selection of squashes as ingredients in dishes. The menu included chicken and vegetarian mini-pot pies with acorn squash, a delicata squash spinach salad, macaroni and cheese, and a delicious pumpkin cake for dessert. Residents also enjoyed mulled cider and eggnog.
Offering a free meal not only boosts morale but it also helps people stretch a dollar in tangible ways. One resident stopped by early in the day, thanking us for the meal because residents sometimes financially struggle towards the end of the month. Even with a fixed income, residents were quick to contribute to the meal, including a key lime pie and ingredients for macaroni and cheese.
One of the primary volunteers is a former cook and he made the large pot of delicious baked macaroni and cheese, using readily accessible ingredients from our dry goods pantry and donated items from my house and resident homes. Afterwards he noted, “Doing these kinds of big meals is like therapy for me. I really enjoy helping out. It feels good. Thanks!” Several of the residents who were in the middle of temporarily moving out for a building-wide renovation project came specifically to the dinner despite the added stress of packing and moving between Cascadian Terrace and their hotel. They timed their trips in order to overlap with the timing of the Harvest Dinner. This is a powerful testimony to how these meals weave together community.
EngAGE changes lives by transforming affordable senior and multigenerational apartment communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness, and creativity.
Program Manager: Sandra Oberdorfer
Date: November 29, 2018
Made possible with funding from Community Development Partners and in collaboration with Friendly House.
