“The Longest Table,” described as an event where “neighbors come together to share a meal and discuss the community,” won’t be taking place in Haverhill next month because of coronavirus concerns.
Organized by Haverhill-based L’Arche Boston North, “The Longest Table” stretched along Wingate Street in downtown Haverhill last summer. Coordinated with Haverhill’s Restaurant week, 250 people sampled food from more than a dozen restaurants, while enjoying live music by local bands and a silent auction.
The virus that caused the event’s cancellation is similarly having a harmful impact worldwide on organizations serving adult children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
L’Arche Boston North Executive Director Jen Williams, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, said L’Arche is raising money for its larger network of 150 communities in 37 countries, where support has been suppressed due to the problems of COVID-19.
Williams also talked about how L’Arch Boston North moved to Haverhill years ago after first being established in Ipswich.
“We quickly outgrew out space in Ipswich and we were looking for a community that would welcome us, and Haverhill was that community. So, about 30 years ago we made the move to Haverhill and we have been welcomed with open arms by our neighbors, our friends, the restaurants, the city, everybody, and we’ve grown roots here. We now have four homes, we have our office on Wingate Street and we also provide shared living in the city of Haverhill,” she explained.
Donation are accepted at the website larchebostonnorth.org.