07 Feb Gather Round the Table Serves First Holiday Meal to Families in Need

Gather Round the Table, one of Pawling’s newest not-for-profits, held its first dinner for those in Pawling who experience food insecurity. The Thanksgiving dinner, held on Sunday, November 24th at the Lathrop Center, attracted 100 reservations. Many had their meals delivered to them by one of the 45 community volunteers who generously donated their time to this event. Volunteers included 14 Boy Scouts along with 3 leaders, several members of the Pawling Rotary Club, and 6 members of the Pawling Knights of Columbus, Council 545, who were on hand to set up tables with seasonal centerpieces the day prior to the dinner.

Deb Muroski, founder and president of Gather Round the Table, was thrilled by the enthusiasm for the official launch of GRT. “It was a huge success,” she commented. “We are excited to work together to promote health and well-being and to improve quality of life. To see the smiles on everyone’s face was truly uplifting. It is important to keep our hearts open to show compassion and spread kindness. We really do have so much to be thankful for.”

Ms. Muroski was joined at this initial event by GRT vice president and Pawling Town Board member Coleen Snow, GRT treasurer and Pawling Rotary president Medina Khalil, and GRT board members Kim Fontana, superintendent, Pawling Central School District; Ed Hauser, former county legislator; Pawling Village Mayor Lauri Taylor; Pawling Library director Chris Fisher; Town of Pawling Superintendent of Building and Grounds Wendel Weber; Grace and Mark Hubert of United Methodist Church; and Patricia Rusch Bellucci, Esq., CPA. GRT board members unable to attend included Olga Brandenberger, director of the Pawling Resource Center; James Schmitt, Pawling Town Supervisor; and GRT board secretary Robyn Whooley Priano, director of Pawling Recreation.

Ms. Muroski also welcomed New York State Assemblyman Anil Beephan Jr., who represents the 105th Assembly District comprising parts of Dutchess County including the towns of Dover, Pawling and Holmes. Assemblyman Beephan was present on the first day of GRT’s inception and was in attendance at this special evening to join in celebrating this achievement.

Food was generously donated by several Pawling restaurants, groceries and delis. The menu for this, the first of what is hoped will be many such GRT events, was a true Thanksgiving feast with all the traditional dishes including turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Music was provided by Nick Madeo of Madeo Multi-Media.

GRT’s introductory event proved to be an auspicious beginning for this new and valuable community resource, an all-volunteer organization that, once again, revealed the heart and determination of those in Pawling who care for those less fortunate. Kudos to Deb Muroski, her board, and everyone who made GRT possible! Information about upcoming events for Gather Round the Table can be found on
their website at gatherroundthetable.org.

–by Susan Stone

Photography by Laurie Spens