Blog Posts from September, 2018

A Random Act of Kindness

Although the serving of the daily community meal at St Ben’s begins at 5:00 pm, guests sometimes start lining up outside the door at 4:00, or even earlier. Convinced that the waiting time could be utilized in a more constructive way than simply standing in place, staff decided to institute what has become known as “Talk Tuesday.” All who are in line at 4:15 on Tuesdays are invited into the hall, provided a drink and snack, and encouraged to “talk” about the topic of the day. Selected by social worker Linda Barnes, the question is designed to elicit upbeat answers, so that—in the words of Ms Barnes—at the conclusion of the session at 5:00 pm participants will “feel a little bit better than they did when they came in.”

Lemonade Stands, Kids and Summer

Bill and Margaret Solberg, hospitality ministers at St. Ben's Community Meal, were pleased when one set of grandchildren chose to come to their home for a summer vacation. Sarah Joy and Seiler live on a farm in central Wisconsin, so they enjoy the opportunity to make a list of things to do in the city. First on the list was hosting a lemonade stand. This was a surprise to the Solbergs; but they soon realized that a farm may only have five cars pass it on a summer day – not a recipe for success.