Volunteers at St. Vincent De Paul Divine Mercy Food Pantry
The dedicated volunteers with the St. Vincent De Paul Divine Mercy Food Pantry are hard at work, getting ready to distribute box after box and cart after cart of food. Their bi-weekly food distribution in Merritt Island is a lifeline for those struggling to afford their meals. Neighbors patiently wait in their cars for hours, knowing that this distribution will provide them with essential staples.As Kathy Cosmano said, "They give you a variety of stuff. It’s like fruits and vegetables, then you’ll get some meat. It’s definitely staples that actually come in very handy. I really, really don’t know what we would do without it." Many others share the same sentiment. Dan Duggan remarked, "I’m on social security and my last two weeks, you know, this helps out a lot. Vegetables, you get some meats, and they’ll throw in a pie here or there, which I’m alright with." Deena Sloan also expressed her gratitude, saying, "I just retired last year and this has made a big difference on my grocery bill. It makes me be able to cook meat with every meal without having to take money away from my bill money. If I didn’t have it, I don’t know how I would make it."The Bowlers and Their Work
Lonny and Tom Bowler run the pantry. They are snowbirds who made Merritt Island their home full-time seven years ago. Lonny Bowler saw the potential of the pantry as a social place. He would see people coming and going, giving him the opportunity to interact with others throughout the day. This has created a whole new community for them.Partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank, the Bowlers and their St. Vincent De Paul team have transformed the pantry. From being just a place with cans and boxed goods, it has become a bustling operation. Lonny Bowler expressed his gratitude, saying, "They’ve made everything possible. We’re so grateful to Second Harvest."Home Delivery Program and Its Impact
The pantry also has a home delivery program to assist neighbors who are unable to make it to the church. Tamara O’Quinn is one such neighbor. The St. Vincent De Paul volunteers visit her twice a month. As O’Quinn said, "God sends his angels, which are these guys. They come in and talk to me and stuff, otherwise, I would never get talked to. I don’t know if they really know how much this means to me, cause it does."This need for support is evident among families. As Lonny Bowler explained, "This need for support that families have, we have many that will say ‘If I can get the food from you, then I don’t have to pay for as much food then maybe I can pay the electric bill, maybe I can pay the water bill, maybe I can put it towards the rent.' It’s that close for them."Through the bi-monthly food deliveries and distributions, this Merritt Island Pantry is able to help more than 700 families a month. Much of this is made possible through the Second Harvest Food Bank and the dedication of these volunteers. As Tom Bowler said, "It doesn’t ever seem like work because in the back of your mind, you’re doing it for someone who might be a little less fortunate than we have been in our lives. It’s really meaningful to us."Unlock the Potential of Food Ingredients with Andy Muller
Background and Experience
Before joining IFF, Muller served as the president of functional ingredients and solutions at Corbion. During this time, he dedicated his efforts to various industries such as bakery, meat, dairy, confectionery, beverage, pet food, and biochemicals. His extensive knowledge and leadership in these fields have laid a solid foundation for his new role at IFF.
Earlier in his career, Muller spent nearly 12 years with DuPont Nutrition & Health. He held multiple leadership positions including senior vice president of global sales, marketing and innovations, regional president of North America and Mexico, and vice president of flavors for the Americas. His achievements at DuPont demonstrate his ability to drive business and create value.
Before DuPont, he was a regional president NAFTA at Danisco USA, Inc. He also held positions at Firmenich as vice president of sales NAM, Sensient as vice president of sales, and Bush Boake Allen as vice president of Latin America and Caribbean. These diverse experiences have equipped him with a wide range of skills and perspectives.
Education and Expertise
Muller studied chemistry at the University of Sciences in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This educational background has provided him with a strong scientific foundation, which is crucial in the field of food ingredients. His technical knowledge and understanding of chemistry have enabled him to excel in his previous roles and will continue to be an asset at IFF.
According to IFF, "Andy is an agile specialty ingredients executive with decades of experience as a technical and commercial leader, P&L owner and entrepreneur." His ability to combine technical expertise with commercial acumen makes him a valuable asset in the food ingredients industry. He holds a wealth of experience in technology value-capture, integrating innovation and supply chains, and building compelling value propositions for customers.
Role at IFF
As the president of Food Ingredients at IFF, Muller plays a crucial role in supporting the company's focus on delivering growth and value through this important business unit. His leadership and experience will help IFF navigate the challenges and opportunities in the food ingredients market.
With his extensive network and industry connections, Muller is well-positioned to drive collaborations and partnerships that will benefit IFF and its customers. His ability to integrate innovation and supply chains will ensure that IFF remains at the forefront of the industry and continues to deliver high-quality products.
"In San Francisco, Christmas at R&G Lounge Unites All"
Section 1: The History of Jewish Christmas at R&G
In 1896, the local newspaper Emanu-El published an article highlighting the Jewish adoption of Christmas. Over the years, this tradition has continued, with Jews from San Francisco and beyond gathering at places like R&G Lounge. It's become a holiday cliché, with families coming together in the name of nourishment. For example, my cousin Dave Rubin has a memorable anecdote from a now-closed Chinese restaurant in Boca Raton. This shows how deeply ingrained this tradition is.Today, Jews crowd institutions from Los Angeles to New York to Boston on Christmas, seeking a sense of community. Chinese restaurants play a significant role in this, doubling as de facto JCCs.
Section 2: The Present at R&G Lounge
Walking into R&G Lounge, one might expect a sea of Jewish families. But instead, there were a diverse group of people. Lauren, a native San Franciscan, shared that her family didn't have a specific go-to Chinese spot for Christmas. Instead, they would sit around and enjoy the day.There were groups like a crew of dudes in red plaid, a single woman in a Santa hat, and a goateed professor named Peter. They all came to show their love and support for the city. Kate, for instance, had never been to R&G before but decided to give it a try.
Section 3: The Crowd at R&G
As the evening progressed, the sidewalk crowds swelled. The R&G hostess was unfazed by the chaos, efficiently managing the reservations. Ben, a nice Jewish boy from Manhattan, found comfort in having a reservation.There were locals and tourists of all ages and ethnicities. From newborns to seniors, everyone was part of this Christmas gathering. Even a lone bubbe from Long Island and a mom-daughter duo were there, adding to the diverse mix.
Section 4: The Experience of Eating at R&G
My family and I made the trip to San Francisco's Chinatown to enjoy Chinese food on Christmas. We saw the plastic white takeout bags piled on the counter and our sweet server, who has been with R&G since the first Bush administration.By the end of the night, over 1,000 diners had passed through. It didn't matter how many were Jewish; the important thing was the sense of community. We missed Boca for a moment but then enjoyed the Peking duck.
In conclusion, R&G Lounge on Christmas is a place where diverse people come together. It shows that even in a secular city like San Francisco, Jews still hold onto their traditions and find a sense of belonging among others.