Pasta Primavera: HOPE Style

Pasta Perfect

Last week our crew made Pasta Primavera from scratch (noodles included) and it was wonderful to watch the kids take turns digging into the dough. It was my first time to take part in the Summer Program here at -click link H.O.P.E. and being a part of the  process was a special treat. I remember the first time I ever dug my hands into something messy. . . it was meatloaf and I was a lot more hesitant and dare I say grossed out than our crew members were. They were all eager to have their turn mixing and kneading the dough, not as many were that eager to do the dishes by hand, but they worked as a team and got everything cleaned up and put away.         

They work together, include each other and help one another with every task.  

Our day began with a question.  Each of us took turns giving our answer as we went around the room one by one.

We put our heads together to solve a mystery and had fun playing detective.

My favorite part of the day, however, (aside from the food of course) was when we were joined by a guest speaker. Brad, a veteran himself, is a volunteer with Salmon for Soldiers, a non-profit organization whose mission is:

“to offer a sense of normalcy and relaxation to our nation’s Veterans through fishing.  Salmon for Soldiers’ fishing opportunities are designed to help reduce stress while creating new relationships with others who love fishing.  Our events are designed to accommodate Veterans with paralysis, PTSD, TBI and other debilitating challenges.”

According to Brad, it all began when two friends decided to take a few veterans fishing. The response was so amazing that first year, they all agreed to do it again. Now after only five years they are able to host an annual event of over 800 guests and send veterans on one-off trips all year. In 2016 alone, they sent over 80 veterans fishing on local charter fishing trips, and 10 veterans to Alaska where they fished with Prince of Wales Sportsfishing.  

Learning about this incredible organization was wonderful, but the best part was seeing how intently our crew listened and how their curiosity lead them to ask questions about volunteering & community service.

To read the full article and to find the recipe, click HERE