I want to publicly express my thanks to my wonderful volunteers who made the Men’s Club “Soup Kitchen,” an adjunct to the Book Sale, such a great success. We had 74 quarts for sale, sold 26 by the quart, had six quarts left over and the rest sold by the bowl. There was a wide variety10 to be exact. We also sold hot dogs and deserts. Diane Cushing and her husband Tom spent the day at a table in front of the building selling hot apple cider. After expenses, we made $500.

None of this would have been possible without my kitchen crew (who are also my crew on the Back Alley Tea). They are Shirley Derr, Cindy Reeser and Judith Briod. Diane Cushing is the “Cider Girl,” and she also made all the cakes while my cashiers were Marge Losch and Winnie Bernat. Most important were the “Soup Gurus,” namely Mike Austin (yes, he makes soup), Didi Champion, Shirley Derr, Ed Moore, Austin Porter, Cindy Reeser, Vicky Thomas, Vicky Walker and Millie Wells. And I even made some.

So thank you everyone and especially all our stalwart book customers who cheerfully handed over their hard earned pennies.

Bonnie Austin

SMC Hospitality Chair