by Valerie Jaques, Pantry Coordinator
I started with the pantry about 2 years ago, when Tony Bianca shared on Facebook a plea for someone with a truck to help with a weekly large shopping trip at the San Diego Food Bank. I said, sure, why not, at least for a few months I should be able to handle it. I’m one of very few members of First Church who happens to own a large pickup truck. Might as well make use of it to help my community.  Somehow, I am now the Pantry Coordinator.

The Outreach and Growth Fund's Front Street Productions is excited to present this concert featuring La Jolla Music Society's Fellowship Artists. Works by Ravel, Janacek, Taneyev and Schoenberg will be performed by the Aestas Trio (piano trio) and the Pelia Quartet (string quartet), without intermission. This concert is free and not to be missed! You must register to attend this open-seating concert through Eventbrite. Questions? Contact Robie Evans. Read more for artist bios and videos but first,  register for your free seats while they last!. 

by Rhea Kuhlman, Pantry Volunteer
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Around 7:30 each Saturday morning, an enormous white truck rumbles into the parking lot at 970 Broadway in Chula Vista, and the driver starts unloading pallets.  Out pour cases of fresh fruits and vegetables – strawberries, melons or plums in the summer, apples or pears in the winter – and squash, potatoes, cabbages and tomatoes, depending on the season.  The truck driver then unloads pallets of dry goods – maybe tuna and beans, oatmeal and pasta or rice. On a good day, there’s boxed milk, too. Each case of food is carefully placed on pallets so that no food ever touches the ground.

Roughly 190 attendees enjoyed a musical afternoon on the patio of the First Church Hillcrest campus listening, singing along, clapping and tapping to the rhythms - enjoying being together and having a good time. Entertainers included the Front Street Troubadours, Carolyn and Tom Owen-Towle, Drew Massicot, the South Bay Singers, the Ferrier Brothers, Penny Whistlers, Keith Mesecher and more performing  a sparkling variety of folk music. The UU Men’s Fellowship provided free snacks, drinks, ice cream bars and popsicles for everyone.  ​