EIGHTEEN YEARS OF FREE LUNCHES

On Wednesday, the Ogdensburg Knights of Columbus celebrated an anniversary that was all about numbers.

The Knights marked the 18th year of their weekly community-wide Wednesday free lunch program.

Since about 100 people were served at the 721 Hasbrouck St. hall on Sept. 8, 1992, an estimated 60 to 70 lunches have been served weekly save for a summer break.

That's about 300 meals a month.

An estimated 3,600 meals with desserts and beverages a year.

As of yesterday, as 47 people sat down to eat, more than 50,000 lunches had been served.

Ellie Adamczyk turned to her friend and caretaking client, 95-years-young Clara H. Farrand. Their plates of Sloppy Joe's on a bun, French fries and corn before them, they had their own number to add to the celebration.

"It's got to be eight years?" Mrs. Adamczyk asked Mrs. Farrand, calculating their faithful attendance.

No complaints about the fare, either.

"The food?" Mrs. Farrand was asked. "I would say excellent."

These two ladies' sentiments can be echoed week after week. The lunch is more than a meal. It is a weekly social event. A Wednesday get-together for people of all ages and walks of life.

"Everybody has a good time," said Richard H. Zoller, a Past Grand Knight who was in charge of the Sloppy Joe's.

For Mrs. Adamczyk and Mrs. Farrand, the lunch is a weekly highlight.

"I really enjoy seeing everybody," Mrs. Adamczyk said.

Nelson J. Woods, another Past Grand Knight, said there are no restrictions on who can come and have lunch.

"It's open to anybody," he said.