Community in Action at Muster & Mingle

Our December 2nd Muster & Mingle was an evening filled with sharing, laughter, and giving back. A winter storm tried its best to keep us apart, but thanks to hardworking city crews clearing the roads, we were able to gather. Our group was a little smaller than usual, but those who braved the snow more than made up for it—the Activity Center was buzzing with energy and good cheer.

We kicked things off with a carry-in dinner, and the tables practically groaned under the weight of pot roast meatballs, turkey and rice soup, broccoli cheese casserole, and so many desserts. Cakes, pies, cookies—you name it. And in a crowd-pleasing moment, Tim, a Marine veteran from Covington, brought his homemade sourdough loaf. By the end of the night, there wasn’t a single crumb left.

Once plates were full, conversation flowed easily as old friends and new shared stories from their Thanksgiving holiday. After a round (or two… or three) of seconds, we shifted into our evening activity. Tamara, our Director of Development who also manages our Need-Based Military & Veteran Food Pantry, put together baskets for each table to assemble “Meal-in-a-Bag” kits to stock the pantry.

Ham & Corn Chowder, Beef & Noodles, Cheesy Chicken & Rice Soup, Chicken Cobbler, and Beef & Bean Chili were packed and ready to go. Folks swapped tips and brainstormed ways to “kick them up a notch,” and each bag included everything needed to make a complete, shelf-stable meal. Several attendees even grabbed extra recipe cards to take home so they could assemble more kits with other groups and stock Blessing Boxes around the county.

It was a wonderful night—cozy, generous, and full of community spirit. While we won’t be back in Piqua until January 6th with Bloom Eye Surgeons and Rebecca from the Piqua Compassion Network, we are looking forward to our Santa’s Sweet Shop in Tipp City on December 13th from 1-4pm. For more information about those or any of our upcoming events, check out our full calendar by clicking here!