BIG THANKS to Our Oct. 20 Sponsor:

Next Cafe: Thursday, Nov. 3 (11:30-1:00)

Menu: Chicken Burritos, Spicy Black Beans, Guacamole, Salsa & Dessert

On October 20 a new season of the wildly popular Community Cafe kicked off with help from Elise Frank and David Lewis of Edward Jones in Bar Harbor. The duo generously sponsored the luncheon which featured Homemade Pulled Pork Sandwiches along with Homemade Pickles, Pickled Red Onions, and Coleslaw with Potato Chips and a Lemon Bar for dessert.

In 2020, with the onset of the pandemic the bi-monthly luncheons adopted a takeout model which proved to be popular. However, after two years without guests having a chance to sit and socialize over lunch, it was time to pivot back to that model (in addition to continuing to offer takeout). Unfortunately, after several months of Hancock County being rated as having a “Low” or “Medium” risk level for Covid, the week prior to the Cafe saw the CDC raise that level to “High.” Following along with CDC guidance, that change meant sitting indoors while socializing with dozens of others simply wouldn’t be possible. After a quick team huddle late last week it was decided that since the weather forecast looked good, why not just let people come pick up their lunches outside? It turned out to be the perfect option for a crisp but delightful autumn day.

The menu proved to be a popular one with about 100 guests dropping by not only from around town, but from across MDI. Thanks are once again in order for Elise and David of Edward Jones, as well as the volunteers who provided their time and talents to help this “curbside” cafe go off without a hitch. Our hope remains that prior to the next Cafe (Nov. 3) the CDC designation for Hancock Co. will subside back to “moderate” or “low,” in which case seating will be available in the Great Hall (in addition to takeout). Regardless, we’ll continue to stay flexible and feed a hunger within our community. You can read up on the Cafe and get a peek at future menus by visiting the Cafe Webpage here.