Cooking For One

When Jason and Hannah Brinker of Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home, LLC hosted the first “Beyond the Plate: Cooking for One” workshop in early 2024, their goal was simple: to bring people together who were coping with loss while helping them make a daily task, like cooking, a little easier and more enjoyable.

The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, with each session quickly reaching capacity. Participants not only learned new recipes and kitchen skills but also found comfort, laughter, and meaningful connections with others who understood their grief. For the Brinkers, seeing attendees smile and share stories over a meal has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

Building on that success, Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home will once again sponsor “Beyond the Plate: Cooking for One” on Wednesday, October 29, from 6–8 p.m. at the Latrobe Art Center, 819 Ligonier St. This will be the fourth workshop in the series, designed to provide both practical guidance and emotional support for those learning to navigate life after loss.

The free, hands-on cooking workshop is open to anyone in the community who is grieving or simply interested in learning how to prepare simple, satisfying meals following the loss of a loved one. Participants will receive fall-inspired recipe cards and will take an active role in preparing a light meal, which they will enjoy together at the end of the evening.

All ingredients and materials are provided. The program emphasizes participation, connection, and conversation, offering a warm environment where individuals can share memories, exchange ideas, and experience a sense of togetherness that often brings comfort during difficult times.

The Beyond the Plate workshops are part of the funeral home’s ongoing commitment to aftercare and community outreach, helping individuals continue their healing journey well beyond the funeral service. By creating opportunities for people to come together in supportive, uplifting ways, the Brinkers hope to encourage growth, companionship, and renewal.

To register for “Beyond the Plate: Cooking for One,” contact Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home, LLC at 724-537-2001 by October 22. Space is limited to 16 participants.