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Universal Yums at Jennings at Notre Dame Village

At Jennings at Notre Dame Village, resident Toni Arnold brings the world to her neighbors one snack at a time. Each month, Toni organizes the Universal Yums Group, a gathering of about fourteen residents who share a box of snacks shipped from a different country each month. But Toni doesn’t stop at the snacks. She researches the country, finds videos, and creates a quiz so the group can truly explore the culture they are tasting. A well-traveled woman herself, Toni brings her own stories to the table, sparking conversation, laughter, and curiosity.

Mexico and Indonesia brought heat. Germany and France brought the chocolate the group loved. Brazil was last month’s destination. What keeps everyone coming back, Toni says, is simple: they are genuinely interested in learning. That shared curiosity is what makes the gathering meaningful. And though about fourteen people sign up each month, all are welcome.

In a room full of people who have seen much of life, the desire to keep discovering new flavors, new stories, and new perspectives, is itself a form of community.