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It was a joyous evening of celebration and surprise at Hudson’s Union Street Brewing Company on July 17, as Columbia County Recovery Kitchen marked our fifth anniversary and announced our new name, Columbia Kitchen. During her speech, Board Vice-Chair and Co-Founder Carole Clark explained: “At the beginning of the pandemic, Pam Kline and the late Carol Peckham, my co-founders, and I had a vision: to create a unique kitchen that would serve to feed people in the county who we knew would be most impacted by the pandemic. We shared our idea with friends and associates, and they all jumped in to help.” Five years later, we’re no longer responding to the economic uncertainty caused by Covid. However, food insecurity remains a critical issue in Columbia County. Executive Director Jolene Race discussed at the event how our new name relates to upcoming expanded programming: “We’re working to ensure our name reflects our continued growth in the months and years to come. This fall, for example, we’ll be rolling out a series of new programs to provide more outlets for meals and programs that will reach a wider audience. These include congregate meals, educational programs for our youth and their families, and establishing additional ‘free fridge’ locations throughout the county.” Our sincere appreciation goes to Columbia Kitchen Executive Chef Tommy Carlucci and Chef Kathy Silliman for their hard work in preparing the delicious and beautifully served food for the event. Also deserving of special recognition are Event Chair Rebecca McPheters and the dedicated members of Columbia Kitchen’s Development Committee, who played a crucial role in planning and executing the party. Lastly, Columbia Kitchen extends our gratitude to Union Street Brewing Company Proprietor Emma O’Donnell, whose generosity made this event possible. More than 150 guests attended the party, including volunteers, donors, family, friends, and Founding Chefs Jamie Parry and John Carr. There were plentiful hors d’oeuvres, lively music by the Russet Trio, and beverages from the Union Street Brewing Company bar.
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