We will be hosting volunteer appreciation events . . . in person . . . once again, and we are eager to celebrate our accomplishments.

Last month, our Kitchenality volunteers were able to gather without masks and have a face-to-face evening at Cafecito.

Andres Paglayan, Cafecito's owner started a "Community Program" where they offer their lovely space on Shoofly Street, and complementary appetizers to one nonprofit organization each month. Kitchen Angels was the first recipient. We were honored and, in turn, got to honor our fine Kitchenality volunteers.

We know it's early, but mark your calendars for November 13th, when we will host our main volunteer event at Bishop's Lodge. We can't wait to see all those smiling faces in person!

Since 98% of our volunteers are vaccinated or have immunity to the coronavirus from a previous Covid exposure, we've decided to make masks optional for volunteers who are FULLY VACCINATED. We still require that Kitchenality customers and front-of-house volunteers continue to wear masks. Delivery drivers are still required to wear masks when dropping off meals since we do still occasionally serve clients who are Covid positive and in quarantine. Masks also make many of our clients a bit more comfortable.

The mask-free option applies only to fully vaccinated people. If you are choosing to remain unvaccinated or are not yet three weeks out from your final shot, then remain masked during your entire volunteer shift. Continue to have conversations with your fellow crew members regarding comfort levels while volunteering and respect each other's choices. This is another opportunity to model the behavior you want to see in the community.

We recognize that it is your choice to be vaccinated or not. We also recognize that, if you're vaccinated, it is your choice to wear a mask or not. If you're not vaccinated, you must continue to wear a mask. If the number of infections begins to rise again, or if new information emerges regarding recommended safety protocols, we will adjust our policy accordingly and let you know.

Thank you to everyone for your adherence to our Covid-safe protocols. We have arrived at greater freedom because of you!

Sallie Hoefer of Soul Friend Flowers believes everyone should have access to fresh flowers, not just those with financial resources. Sally grows fresh flowers in her 1/5 acre yard and sells bouquet subscriptions. For every "bloom share" subscription she sells, she donates one bouquet to a Kitchen Angels client.

During July and August we will be distributing flower bouquets to our clients via our delivery volunteers. We love having the opportunity to brighten our clients' day by sharing gorgeous fresh cut flowers with them. If you would like to contribute to the cause, click here for Soul Friend Flowers and sign up for a subscription.

With a heatwave ravaging much of the country, who wants to spend any time cooking away in a hot kitchen? So let’s take the cooking outside to the grill since July is National Grilling Month. Apart from burgers and steaks, you can throw just about anything on the grill and Delish has 100 recipes to get you started. Grilled cheddar bacon ranch corn! Spicy grilled broccoli! The list is endless!

If you want to grill a steak, but don’t have time to defrost the ones sitting in your freezer there is actually a great way to cook steak from frozen according to Harvard professor and science writer Guy Crosby. Sear the steak on high heat to get that caramelized, browned outside and then pop it in the oven. Voila! Perfect steak without the hassle of defrosting. Get the full recipe at Pocket.

July 31 is also National Avocado Day! Although popular in California since the 1950s (and cultivated in South and Central America for over a thousand years), avocado consumption in the United States has skyrocketed since 2000.

But they are not just a delicious fruit. Avocados are packed with nutrients and are a healthy source of fat. Low in sugar and high in vitamins, the avocado might just be the perfect food. Medical News Today lists all of the health benefits of avocados including possibly lowering the risk of depression.

Yet when most of us reach for an avocado it isn’t necessarily for the health benefits, but for how delicious avocados are! Again, Delish delivers with fifty avocado recipes that will increase your avocado obsession. This reader is eyeing the baked avocado boats with breakfast envy.

No one wants to go through life alone, which is why July 11 is Cheer Up the Lonely Day. If you know someone who lives alone or might need a bit of social interaction there are many easy ways to engage with them. From simple things like calling them on the phone or going on a walk, to slightly more extravagant things like dropping off a present or making them food, even the smallest things can positively affect someone’s life. Visiting someone in the hospital can even lead to improved outcomes and a shorter length of stay.

Kitchen Angels' Caring Callers program addresses the loneliness issue by pairing callers with homebound clients. We currently have more clients than callers and are seeking volunteers for this program. If you are friendly and have the time to call and speak with a new friend once or twice a week, please contact Tamara at extension 207 or projects@kitchenangels.org.

For the past 10 years, Malcolm Newman of Newman's Nursery has been donating poinsettias to Kitchen Angels. We distribute the plants in December and many clients look forward to the seasonal splash of color. July is when Newman's begins planting the poinsettias so they are fully grown by the winter holidays.

During the summer season, we hope you chose Newman's for all of your gardening needs. Show your appreciation for their community-spirit by thanking them for giving to Kitchen Angels clients.

Kitchen Angels staff has recently enjoyed a bit of well-deserved vacation time. Thanks to Tamara P. for filling in for Jeanette and Lauren, and to Karen C. for taking over the kitchen for Joe. Our gratitude also goes out to the volunteers who worked extra shifts and stepped up to take on more responsibility in the kitchen.

Our small staff holds much detailed knowledge about operations. It's not always easy to step in and keep things running smoothly, but our part-time and contract staff do amazing jobs. Don't forget to show your appreciation next time you see them!