Free community dinner a success in Mapleton

5 years ago

On a cold snowy day, everyone deserves a hot delicious meal, which is exactly what the Mapleton Lions Club provided Saturday, May 9, during a spring snowstorm.

The group recognized the challenging times facing the residents of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman, and because of the tremendous support the community has offered to the club, members provided a free, drive-through style, traditional baked bean supper for area folks. 

Mapleton Lions pack free traditional bean dinners downstairs in the Mapleton Lions Hall on May 9 before they are delivered to vehicles driving through. The mystery men behind the masks are, from left, Lions Wes Buck, Ron Leonard, Dennis Hoffses and Jake Graham.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

Though the Lions canceled their annual dinner and auction, they considered the drive-through dinner as a little pick-me-up for the community during these trying times. Everyone was welcome to come and receive a hot meal as part of the club’s service to the communities.

The menu consisted of ham, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, a roll and a drink. The club served approximately 360-70 meals out of the 400 they had planned. Members also delivered 20-plus meals to home-bound individuals who could not get to the hall to pick up their meals.

Many folks attempted to give donations to the club for the meals, but members politely refused those because they meant the meal to be a gift to friends and neighbors. 

Mapleton Lion Bruce Guerrette hands packaged meals through a vehicle window as community members drive through during the club’s recent free community supper.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

The Lions said they would be doing a chicken barbecue in the summer, and then there would be a charge, but folks would be welcome to donate as well.

The Mapleton Lions Club believes wholeheartedly in our three communities and hopes to continue to support the towns through our special projects and support. We want to live up to our motto: “Together we serve.” This is the heart of Lionism.

Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.