Usually when an important anniversary is upon us, friends and family throw a party for those celebrating the anniversary. The Schenk family has flipped this tradition. They are throwing a party for the entire community upon the 40th anniversary of American Flatbread. Such generosity and community-mindedness, connecting people around nourishing food are hallmarks the Schenks have long embraced and lived.
In honor of all the family’s many contributions to The Valley, we gathered reflections from area residents. We decided not to attribute these statements to the authors to signify that they surely speak for many others who share similar sentiments.
- George and George have over the last 40 years built community, raised our awareness of the value of nature in its natural form and challenged us to recognize our own impacts. Taking responsibility for our own footprint in this world has been a consistent aspect of their lives, from the protection of their farm, to their attention to organic crops that they would grow or serve. They have always kept the big picture in mind and helped us do the same.
- I’ve known George and George for 30 years and not once have they said “no” to a worthy community cause. They always find a way to say “yes” to our community. Their generosity in restoring the Big Red Barn is a lasting legacy for the Mad River Valley.
- George is truly the heart and soul of our community. He has inspired and supported us all in our local efforts and has made a huge impact far beyond the borders of this Valley we call home.
- Among many things the Schenks have contributed to make The Valley a better place, I’m especially grateful for George’s gentle strong voice on behalf of nature. He is one of the most knowledgeable, passionate, and eloquent advocates helping ensure our community does right for all the priceless species, places, and natural features that can’t speak for themselves - the Valley’s own Lorax.
- My husband and I found Flatbread when George built a Native American outdoor oven at Tucker Hill and started serving dinners there. And the rest is history, and we still celebrate his spirit and his social service, love of community, and amazing knowledge, intelligence and commitment. Are we not lucky to have had these two exceptional people in our lives?
- Congrats on 40 incredible years! The Schenks have cooked up something really special – an experience that exudes the Mad River Valley vibe. A meal at American Flatbread isn’t just dinner, it’s one of the unique places that truly differentiates the Mad River Valley.
- I grew up in the Mad River Valley, so most of my experience with the Schenks over the years involved me running around at American Flatbread as a kid. One thing I look back on very fondly about my childhood is that there were welcoming places like Flatbread that allowed families to come together, and kids to be kids.
- I first “met” George through the Bedford, Massachusetts Flatbread manager when he explained the company’s values with regard to food, its place in society, the value of community and our connection to the land. When we moved to The Valley, discovered Flatbread again, and eventually met George, it was clearer than ever how authentic the company’s brand is.
- I’m enormously grateful to have met George, he has been an angel in my court, generous, open spirited and loves conversation on the subject of the arts. You are a gem!” Long may Flatbread continue with the Schenks at the helm.
- The Schenks’ dedication to and support of conservation and recreation in the Mad River Valley is a beacon of hope for all who care about our environment and community.
- One of my treasured memories from the pandemic is when I heard a loud knock at the door and opened it to find George with a flatbread in hand for my wife and me. He was making deliveries to friends throughout The Valley, using good food to nurture friendships.
- George has woven a quiet grace into the fabric of the Mad River Valley. In simple gestures – like supporting my son’s fledgling lemonade stand – or in heartfelt words about tending the land and living with intention, he offers something rare: presence, rootedness, and care. His goodness radiates outward, quietly touching countless lives along the way.
- George has an inner light that he shares with abandon. He lifts people up, stoking their curiosity and passion. I admire George’s willingness to speak hard truths with eloquence and love as well as his always thoughtful, deep commitment to place and our shared future.
I first met George in his vegetable and flower gardens at Lareau Farm during the 2021 MRV Arts Garden Tour. His dedication to and enthusiasm for nature were infectious, and helped spark my interest in conservation in The Valley.
The Lindbergs live in Waitsfield.
