Geppetto’s Log - Stardate 101421.1

No Dinx & Hungarian

We ventured out today. Landed in Albany. Picked up a shirt order at No Dinx.

After pickup… we made a B-line for Novak's Hungarian Restaurant at 208 SW 2nd Ave. Between their website, Facebook page and Google listing… we found conflicting information as to hours of operation. More on that later. The good news is… we arrived in perfect time.

Owners Karen and Matilda were there along with a few volunteers. Yes, I said volunteers. Karen remembered my call after the fire at Mattress World. At that time… Novak’s had been dealing with a fire closure for nearly a year. Overwhelmed by our own circumstances I reached out for wisdom. Never having navigated a fire claim… I sought to know how they were handling things. Our conversation brought comfort and mutual inspiration to drive forward and make it through to the other side.

Novak’s damage was far more extensive than ours. Their fire was upstairs downstairs and they lost most everything. Smoke and soot took its toll here but a thorough cleaning, fresh paint and carpet brought us back to life in six short weeks. They were shut down for more than a year. As in our case… financial assistance is difficult to qualify for because 2020 actually looks better on the books… because of the closures in 2019.

“Two weeks after we re-opened after the fire, Karen said, we were shut down because of COVID.” It’s been a nightmare.”

Novak’s is currently open Thursday through Saturday. They are serving up the same delicious Hungarian family food recipes as always.

“New phone lines came in today.” Matilda said. “Suddenly nothing but our land line would work. No internet, no merchant services. I didn’t know what to do. Then our dear friend Caleb came to help. Thank God he was able to get all things going again.”

“I paid him in food.” She said. “I have plenty of that to give.”

I don’t think she could tell but my mind reeled. I could so relate… not only as to technical difficulties, but the general situation at hand. Knowing what it’s like when phone’s won’t work, merchant services are down, gas pipes leak, the website needs updating and Google is being Google. It’s all going on at the same time or another and the customer expectation is that you should be able to handle it all up to the minute. It’s hard on a good day. Our suffering has been nothing compared to theirs. They survived the fire, lost both parents and almost the family restaurant. Volunteers keep customers happy Thursday through Saturday. Matilda, Karen and family are working so hard.

I could feel the presence of their mother and father… standing with their daughters, keeping their legacy alive.

Matilda, I asked, How can I help?

She took a deep breath and softly replied. “Pray for us.”

So… here I go.

God, please grant Karen, Matilda and family all that they need. Give volunteers continued time in their schedules and financial support to keep the help coming. Please, God, bring trusted advisors to help the Novak family find any assistance, grants or otherwise, which they may qualify for. Bring support from all over the Valley. You, God, are in charge of invitations! Bring all the right customers at just the right time. I trust that you will bring the Novak family through these trying times and into a new season of exponential growth and financial security. Finally, as my son Alex says, “We know you’re driving the bus. Now, if you would just put your hands on the wheel for a minute… that would be awesome!”

PS God,

For the sake of everything that is good, keep the Novak’s legacy of deliciousness alive and well. Theirs defines “comfort food” Like my Grandma used to make.

It seems the most accurate hours of operation can be found on the Novak’s Facebook page. If you can help in any way… call them: 541-967-9488. And btw… this post wasn’t their idea… so if they seem surprised by any offers for help… tell them I was inspired to ask on their behalf.
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We are all out and all in! No Dinx and Hungarian.