The Chappaqua Library and the Chappaqua Interfaith Council will jointly present a panel discussion “Helping People in Need” on Wednesday, February 25 at 7 p.m. at the Chappaqua Library. Panel members include representatives from Volunteer N.Y., Infinite Family, Neighbors Link, Open Door Family Medical Center and other nonprofits in the Northern Westchester area. The Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs, Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of Chappaqua, will moderate a discussion about the needs and opportunities for volunteers in our community. There is no charge to attend.
Prior to the panel discussion, St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church will host a Finger Food Potluck. This event will be in its community hall (191 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua) next to the library beginning at 5:30 PM. Please join us for this free event and bring finger food to share.
Leigh Pezet, Pastor of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and President of the Chappaqua Interfaith Council, stated that bringing attention to the organizations struggling to support the needs in our communities is of great importance. “We need to lift up these efforts and support the services these entities provide to the neediest among us,” he said.
The panel discussion is part of a series of events under the heading of “Local Action, Global Outreach,” focusing on social awareness and a move towards activism. The next event will be a book discussion on A School for My Village, by Twesigye Jackson Kaguri. It will be at the Chappaqua Library on Wednesday March 4 at 7 PM. The book details the author’s efforts in Uganda to found a school and the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project, which aims to end systemic deprivation, poverty, and hunger through a holistic approach to community development, education, and healthcare. Mr. Kaguri‘s transformation of personal loss (several of his family members contracted AIDS) into hopeful action illustrates how one person can make a difference. The book will be available for sale at the panel discussion on Feb. 25 and at the library. This program is also free and open to all.
In addition, Making A Difference in March is an opportunity for everyone in our community to reach out to help others. Our goal is a Caring Community, an ongoing ethic to look out for each other in little and big ways, daily. You might bring lunch to a sick neighbor, volunteer to help a non-profit or surprise someone with cookies or freshly baked bread. Maybe shovel a neighbor’s walkway after a recent snowfall. Or pay for coffee for the next person in line. Let your imagination be your guide…. something to help others every day.
That effort also includes volunteering at local schools. Dr. Lyn McKay, Superintendent of the Chappaqua School says: “Our residents continually and enthusiastically donate their time, talents and expertise to partner with Chappaqua Schools in preparing students to be caring, active, productive, and responsible citizens in a 21st-century democratic society. This partnership is essential to students’ success.”
“Here in New Castle, we are blessed with a strong sense of community,” adds town supervisor Rob Greenstein. “There are countless heart-warming examples of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Whether donating time, money or just looking out for en elderly neighbor, giving back is a way of life here. We are lucky to live in such a close and caring community.”
For more information about the events, please contact the Chappaqua Library at 914-238-4779.
