Knights Of Columbus Offer Up Free Lunches

Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch?

For nearly 20 years, the Ogdensburg Knights of Columbus has been offering a community lunch - a service that organizers say is essential, especially for senior citizens.

"It's a goodwill gesture," said Knight Richard H. Zoller, announcing that the community lunch would be offered again, starting on Wednesday at noon.

Mr. Zoller, who does much of the cooking, explained that several city service clubs, including the Lions, Rotary, Zonta, Kiwanis, St. Vincent de Paul, as well as the ministerial association, among others, take turns volunteering at the lunches.

"Every Wednesday of the month from September until June" the lunch is offered to anyone who wishes to attend, Mr. Zoller said. Between 50 and 75 people take advantage of the free lunch.

For the seniors, he said, the weekly event offers a chance to get together, to get out of the house, and to socialize.

"They have a good time sitting together and sharing stories and a meal," he said.

Knight Joseph M. Cosentino, who along with Joseph Sears started the free lunch program 18 years ago, says the initiative has also seen help from Price Chopper over the years.

"They used to donate meats and vegetables," he said of the grocery store, adding that state regulations have changed that practice. "Now I go there Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and they give me baked goods.

"They do very well by us," Mr. Cosentino added.

When he started the program, according to Mr. Cosentino, people told him it wouldn't last, it wouldn't grow.

But with help from Mr. Sears and others, like Ann Smith, Ruth Langley, and current volunteers like Gary Jarvis, Ron Romano, Tim O'Reilly, Cathy Sherry and Nelson Woods, he said, among countless other volunteers who have made the lunches a success over the years, the program has survived.

"It's an important service to the community," Mr. Cosentino said. "Between meds and rent and everything else, it's tough for seniors."