JOANNE WEINTRAUB
Joanne is a dedicated volunteer who shows up rain, shine, sleet, or snow at 7 am almost daily at our Running Rebels meal site. She goes above and beyond by doing her part not only as a volunteer but as a Good Samaritan. She takes the extra step to recycle all of our cardboard boxes, as well as donating our vegetable compost to local gardens. Joanne's warmth, energy, and sense of humor is felt by all who come in contact with her. We are grateful for the role Joanne plays as a volunteer and advocate for us at The Gathering! We appreciate you, Joanne!
HaMM O'RYE COOK GROUP
In 2011 mother and son volunteers at The Gathering, Lisa Murray and Ian Martin, asked the rest of their family to become a Saturday lunch cook team. They invited their parents, grandparents, spouses, brothers, sister and cousins to form the team named HaMM on Rye based on the combination of their last names, Hirsch, Martin, and Murray and their devotion to cooking healthy and hearty food. Over the years there have been three generations and as many as 13 members, cutting chickens, forming salmon patties, initiating an assembly line for lasagna construction, and having a good time being together and feeding their community. There were even enough members to cook at all three sites simultaneously when the pandemic limited the volunteers who could come out. A new member was added by marriage to Ian in 2019, Jennifer O'Brien, and so the name has changed to HaMM O' Rye, and the joy of serving others and cooking together continues.
People in picture: from left to right- Regina Hirsch, Rita Hirsch, Nick Hirsch, Lisa Murray, Ian Martin, Jennifer O'Brien
TEAM MTV
Team MVT was formed in the aftermath of COVID 19 - Valecia Watson; pictured on the right, with Tinesse Clark of Team MVT at Mardi Gras 2024.
Valecia had been on the King Solomon cook team for many, many years - the pandemic had forced that team to retire. However, Valecia was bound and determined to continue her service - so she formed Team MVT. Team MVT cooks, coordinates and serves the 4th Saturday of every month.
The joy and energy this team brings to the table warms one's heart. We thank you for your continued service to The Gathering, Team MVT!
