Fifteen years ago Tom and Leslie Murdock, beloved islanders, and members of Emmanuel Episcopal Parish, decided that where there’s a need, there’s a way. They conceived of, arranged funding for and staffed a plan to offer dinner once a month to any island neighbor with a need. Parishioners and others from the community added side dishes, breads and desserts to Tom and Leslie’s entree each month. Dinner Kitchen was born!

When Tom and Leslie were no longer able to participate, chef Dennis Baker stepped up to the plate to provide the entree. COVID-19 shuttered the doors for many months and updates and repairs to the church kitchen delayed them further. Finally, the moment has come! Dennis and his staff are enthusiastically welcoming islanders to join for a meal in the Emmanuel Parish Hall on Thursday, May 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. This month’s entree will be hamburgers and hot dogs, meat, and vegetarian, on the barbecue along with sides and desserts. Henceforth, Dinner Kitchen will be held on the last Thursday of each month.