Old and new friends break bread at annual Lazarus House dinner

For several years, decorated Korean War veteran Stanley "Stosh" Simenc was responsible for cooking for thousands of men aboard the USS Wisconsin battleship. So now when it comes to big meals he takes a break.

Simenc and his longtime friend Ray Miller were among several hundred friends, neighbors and strangers who joined together Thursday for "the best Thanksgiving meal (Simenc has) ever had" at the Lazarus House annual Thanksgiving meal hosted at the Tri-Cities Corps Salvation Army in St. Charles.

"I used to like to cook at home so I could watch football, but my favorite team (the Green Bay Packers) isn't playing until tonight this year," said Simenc, who lives in Batavia. "So I called Ray and told him to come pick me up to come have a good meal. I'm glad I did. This was the best Thanksgiving meal I've ever had."

Simenc was particularly fond of the pumpkin pie, and Miller said it was the delicious turkey and mashed potatoes he remembered from last year that brought him back.

Lazarus House serves homeless people with emergency shelter, outreach programs and case management. It has been hosting the event since it opened in the late 1990s.

While those living at the Lazarus House shelter attend the event, there are also many area residents who come to make new friends, or just take in the true meaning of Thanksgiving. The dinner has grown over the years with about 400 or more in attendance.

One of the highlights of the event, which draws people from as far as Elgin and Aurora, is the sharing of side dishes.

The event is also staffed with a hearty list of volunteers serving drinks and desserts, clearing plates and cooking turkeys.

Jean Joyce and her husband Jeff volunteered for the first time Thursday.

"Volunteering at this dinner has been on my bucket list for a long time," Joyce said. "Our kids had other plans this year so I said, 'That's it. I'm crossing it off the list this year.' And I'll be back."