Thanks to Chris Shake A call to serve
Reading the papers, we are made aware of what Chris Shake does through the Salvation Army for those who are less fortunate than we are. However, on our anniversary, Dec. 28 and New Year’s Day, we were made aware that Chris does so much more for the rest of us, as well. In past times, when our lives were more normal, on those two occasions, we’d go out to a restaurant which is a little pricier than where we’d go during the rest of the year. During the present climate, we have to find something else to do. We thought we’d throw in a frozen pot pie into the microwave, but that just didn’t cut it. Our solution was to call the Old Fishermen’s Grotto on Monterey’s wharf and order their anniversary and New Year’s special dinners. Both times, the food was beyond excellent and the attention to detail and the attentiveness of staff was more than we’d expect. We called when we got near the circle on the southwest side of the wharf and a server came out to the car and delivered the superb boneless prime rib steaks.
Wearing a mask and taking home delicious meals is a small price to endure for a few more months. Thank you Chris Shake (and Karen, too) for making our new normal enjoyable.
— Xavier and Edie Maruyama,
Carmel
The first email I opened on Jan. 1 was from the Obama Foundation. It had a beautiful message about making 2021 a year of service to the community. Suggestions included volunteering with your local Food Bank. I am pleased to know that millions of everyday people have been checking in on their neighbors and volunteering their time with local service organizations since COVID began last March. I think empathy and compassion are critically needed at this difficult time. I know that people grieving losses benefit from helping others. There are so many ways to help — volunteering to help as a handyperson at a shelter, making quilts for fire victims or premature babies, delivering Meals on Wheels, donating puzzle books to patients stuck in a hospital with COVID-19, calling people that live alone thru Tele- Care and more. It brings joy to all.
— An McDowell, Monterey