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PHOTO: Jim Klesitz and James Caplinger. (Submitted photo)
BETHEL — “Having the wonderful Sunday meals has been an absolute plus in so many ways,” said Marilyn Dupuis, a senior at Sudbury Village. “They put a happy smile on my face, and a delicious meal makes me feel special.”
Like other seniors no longer driving, Marilyn depended on the local Age Friendly Neighbor to Neighbor transportation service for grocery store needs before the coronavirus hit. Now, it is more difficult to get to the store.
COVID 19 had many people wondering how they could help their community. Among them were Jim Klesitz and his husband, James Caplinger, who moved to Bryant pond from Florida three years ago when Caplinger accepted a position at Stephens Memorial Hospital. Klesitz was anxious to do volunteer work and loves to cook. In 2008, he managed a senior community in Florida, which had a meal program, and it was there that he found his passion to cook for seniors and provide them well- balanced meals.
“I have had many family and friends with health issues that required better nutrition, and I’ve educated myself on how to make recipes healthier when possible,” he said.
Klesitz connected with Bonnie Pooley and, since March, others have joined in to help. The project, which provides full meals on Sundays, soon grew to its current capacity of 30 meals distributed to seniors.
While Klesitz does the cooking from among the many recipes he has prepared over the years, Caplinger helps with prep work and other details. They have come up with a routine where meals are prepared mostly on Saturdays, so that Sunday mornings can be devoted to boxing up meals to be delivered by Pooley.
The seniors coined the term “Sunday Chefs.”
“I fell in love with the corn casserole,” said Marilyn. “And the meatloaf equals any I have ever had from someone’s kitchen or in a restaurant.”
“Our Sunday Chefs are a couple of amazing guys with big hearts and lots of caring,” said Wally Ritz. “I think I can speak for most of the residents at the Bethel House when I say that the meals are always delicious, nutritious and plentiful. For most of us, it’s enough for two meals.”
“I can’t thank them enough for their care and kindness,” said Brenda Dewhurst of Sudbury Village. “Seeing their dedication and great spirit during these difficult times has really made a big difference.”
Klesitz posts pictures of the meals served on the Team Bethel Facebook page, prompting community members to ask how they could make financial donations.
Someone even donated a freezer, which allows them to buy food in bulk.
The Sunday Chefs took time out during August and September to plan for the winter months. Meals resumed in October, and they are again calling on the community for financial help. Klesitz said that each meal costs less than $3.50, and, according to seniors, the servings are enough for two meals.
“All those involved with the Sunday meals should be so proud,” said Marily. “This isn’t just doing – this is caring.”
Rosabelle Tifft, also of Sudbury Village, added, “The Sunday Chefs are a good example of the caring Bethel area community. Their generosity demonstrates how ‘we’re all in this together.”
