In a small town nestled in northeastern Vermont, the Newark Street School hosts a heartwarming after-school program that brings together fourth and fifth graders to hone their culinary skills while preparing meals for local seniors. Led by the dedicated guidance of Laura “Mrs. Ro” Robichaud and Sue “Miss Sue” Winsor, these young chefs gather every Wednesday to cook, bake, and learn the importance of giving back to their community.
The Kingdom East Afterschool Program, supported by the Friends of Newark Street School, serves as a bridge between students and the elderly residents in the area. With a mission to foster relationships and instill essential life skills, this program welcomes students from the fourth grade and up to participate in the cooking club, offering a hands-on approach to learning beyond the classroom.
Recently featured in Seven Days’ “Stuck in Vermont” series, the Newark Street School cooking club caught the attention of senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger, who witnessed firsthand the magic of six enthusiastic students crafting mini meatloaves, mashed potatoes, peas, and cookies in the school’s cozy kitchen. Amidst the controlled chaos of the bustling kitchen, Sollberger captured the essence of the students’ eagerness to learn and create something special for the seniors in their community.
During her visit, Sollberger had the opportunity to chat with Sue Winsor about the inspiration behind the program and the impact it has on both the students and the recipients of the meals. Winsor shared how the students, despite working in a compact kitchen, demonstrated exceptional kitchen etiquette and teamwork, showcasing their abilities to navigate through recipes and cooking techniques with enthusiasm and curiosity.
As the students diligently whipped up their culinary creations, questions and exclamations filled the air, reflecting the students’ dedication to mastering their tasks. From deciphering cooking measurements to locating essential kitchen tools, the students embraced the challenge with a sense of determination and excitement, creating a dynamic environment filled with laughter and camaraderie.
The fruits of their labor were met with resounding approval as warm chocolate chip cookies and creamy mashed potatoes elicited smiles and happy dances from both the students and the supervising adults. The sense of accomplishment and joy radiated through the kitchen, emphasizing the power of connection through shared meals and meaningful interactions.
While the students may not have the chance to meet the seniors who benefit from their culinary creations, Sollberger followed Winsor on a meal delivery to one of the recipients, Joan. A longtime recipient of the weekly meals, Joan expressed her appreciation for the students’ efforts, remarking on the deliciousness of the dishes with a touch of humor: “It’s good. Too bad you can’t have any.”
In a world where acts of kindness and generosity often go unnoticed, the Newark Street School cooking club stands as a shining example of how young hearts can make a big impact on their community. Through the simple act of preparing meals with love and care, these students are not only honing their culinary skills but also learning the value of compassion, teamwork, and giving back—a lesson that will undoubtedly stay with them for a lifetime.
