Free Clinic Network

"He loved the area and it seemed to be a good place to reside at this particularly difficult time of his life, which proved to be true," Tanner said. "After his death, I was well settled here and now almost feel like a native."

When she's not busy with the Free Clinic Network, Tanner is also involved with a number of other community organizations, including the Wayne Center for the Arts, St. James Episcopal Church, Women's Committee for the Wooster Symphony Orchestra and Every Woman's House. She enjoys gardening, taking in musical productions, reading, sewing, visiting famous gardens, playing cards, seeing friends and watching movies.

As far as food goes, Tanner said her favorites are "the sweets, especially those of the chocolate kind!" She's not a fan of cooking but understands that it is necessary for life.

"Years ago, I saw a sign in a wonderful grocery store that read 'Practice the art of not cooking' and that has been my motto ever since," she said.

She remembers one Christmas when she took the ham out of the oven and it "bounced across the kitchen floor," and her favorite kitchen tip is one about keeping it simple.

"Never prepare a dish that requires more than one bowl to prepare," Tanner said.

Tickets for A Meal that Heals are available at the Viola Startzman Free Clinic, TJ's and Buehler's locations in Wooster and Orrville. Tanner said this year's goal is to sell 1,000 tickets.