An update from Shawn in Patchwork’s main office: Hospitality has been in full swing even though we’ve had to resort to outdoor hospitality. We still have our group of regulars who show up out front with their masks on and all bundled up to drink coffee, have snacks, and visit with one another. Word gets […]
It’s a new year, and Patchwork Central’s programming is back in operation. Our food pantry, health ministry, and hospitality programs re-opened on Monday, January 4 after our short break. Immediately, we were busy chatting with everyone about their holidays, serving up a lot of hot coffee, taking some blood pressures, assembling many food orders, serving […]
This pandemic has proven how fragile our connections can be. Tiny, invisible particles of proteins and nucleic acids have radically up-ended our entire way of life. Talking across a table, hugging, going to a favorite spot with friends, singing together, even seeing the lower half of another person’s face—all of it seems like an echo-memory […]
This year has challenged us all, and yet there are things to be thankful for. Every week, a wonderful mix of adults and children make Patchwork Central part of their day. I am thankful for every single one of them. This week, I asked Patchwork staff, volunteers, Arts & Smarts participants, and other guests what […]
In October, Patchwork Central turned 43! This is something to celebrate, especially in the middle of a pandemic and with so much uncertainty in the world. We plan to be here for many years to come, participating in our neighborhood and listening for ways that our skills and interests can be of assistance to our […]
“Do small things with great joy.” That was the quote that came to Gail’s mind when I asked her to summarize her past couple months of providing Shade Tree Hospitality on Patchwork’s front lawn. Indeed, it has been very much about the small things: a cup of lemonade, some fresh produce, a blood pressure check, […]
What a summer it’s been at Patchwork! Sure, it’s been much quieter than usual. We spent part of it staying at home along with the rest of the nation. We’ve been physically distanced. We’ve kept our faces covered. But, we’ve also found new ways of being together! Our Arts & Smarts Children’s Program staff scrapped all their plans […]
With Patchwork not open in the mornings to serve coffee and snacks, Eugene has had some extra time on his hands. Apparently, he has used that time to perfect his comedy routine. One afternoon a few weeks ago, I heard someone knocking on Patchwork’s door. I went to see who was there, and it was Eugene. He […]
Things are slowly growing more active here at Patchwork. Bit by bit, we’re bringing back more of our programming, though with some major changes in order to reduce the possible spread of coronavirus. Here’s what a week at Patchwork looks like now: Food Pantry: Our food pantry continues to be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays […]
Things have been quiet around Patchwork for the last two months, but the building has not been empty. John and I have been here daily to keep the organization running and organized, doing everything from picking up the mail, getting bills paid, and processing donations to feeding the fish, watering the plants, and taking weeds […]