Editorial-Nov. 16, 2006

Innkeeper makes mark as good neighbor

By: Mae Rhine
   Fred Strackhouse is becoming a good neighbor as the new owner of The Stockton Inn.
   He took over the historic restaurant earlier this year and, by all accounts, has achieved what he set out to do: transform it into a place where locals and their families would feel comfortable rather than maintain it as an upscale dining destination.
   And residents have responded warmly.
   Mr. Strackhouse could have sat back and enjoyed the gracious welcome. Instead, he is giving back to the community that welcomed him by offering an unheard-of $5 a plate Thanksgiving dinner to anyone who makes a reservation.
   The Trenton Soup Kitchen will receive 75 percent of all proceeds. The Stockton Fire Company will receive 25 percent. The company’s Mill Street firehouse suffered a lot of flood damage earlier this year.
   The inn also will accept additional donations for the soup kitchen and the fire company.
   Besides Mr. Strackhouse, his staff also is showing their gratitude by volunteering their time that day. Vendors also have donated turkeys, vegetables and other items for the traditional meal.
   We salute Mr. Strackhouse and his staff for becoming part of the community.
   And we urge those who dine there to donate a little extra for the soup kitchen and fire company.
   Reservations are going fast, however. The last two seatings at 1:30 and 2:45 p.m. already are booked.
   But there’s still space at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
   Dinner will include turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie. Drinks are not included.
   Make a reservations by calling the inn at 397-1250.