Dear Members,

We are grateful to the many groups and organization that help to keep
food in our pantry.  We rely on them to fulfill the ever increasing
demand.  In November, it was announced that Shoprite of Beekman store
will be closing in January 2001. This store had designated our pantry
for funds from the Wakefern Partner in Caring program.  I have learned
that our current grant of $3000 will be honored, but that ends it.    We
are looking into other options to cover this loss of support.

             FOR YOUR INFORMATION

A resource for our clients over 60 years of age:
The Dutchess County Office of the Aging, 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie,
NY
Telephone - 486-2555
They will provide information, advocacy and referral assistance
regarding public benefits and entitlement programs, legal services,
transportation, volunteer services, mortgage counseling, housing,
nutrition, discount cards and of particular importance this time of year
- home heating assistance.

A resource for all age groups especially people trying to hold down a
job:
According to a recent news article in the Poughkeepsie Journal by Larry
Fisher-Hertz, there is a program called Wheels to Work to help people on
public assistance to obtain a vehicle for work. The cars are put in
working order by the students at BOCES.  To check qualifications,
contact the Department of Social Services at 486-3151.
To donate a car to the program, contact Bob Butler at BOCES.  His number
is 483-3640 ext. 117.

Another resource:
The Archdiocesan Catholic Center, 218 Church Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
Telephone  452-1400
Under the Catholic Charities umbrella there are many groups ready to
help your clients.  A few of them are listed below:

Catholic Home Bureau (1-800-592-HELP)
Provides free counseling, medical and shelter care to women facing
unplanned pregnancies.

Mental Health Counseling Services (452-1400  ext. 4202, 4209 or 4905)
Provides services to troubled individuals and families.

Migration Services (452-1400 ext. 4905)
Provides professional counseling and legal representation to documented
and undocumented immigrants.

Parish & Community Outreach (452-1400 ext. 4201)
Provides a wide variety of services to individuals and families in need.
Some of the services include:  emergency food and clothing vouchers,
transportation, prescription medicines and rental assistance.

Please pass this information along as needed by your clients.

Sadly I must report the passing of two of our members:
John Perrino on November 2nd.  At his funeral mass, John was remembered
as a shining role model for all family men.  He certainly served our
society faithfully--especially shopping for our freezer items.  We have
scheduled a mass at St. Denis for him on October 19, 2001 at 9 AM.

Nora Mehrer on December 17th.  Nora dedicated so much of her life to the
care of others.  Her compassion will be sorely missed.  A mass will be
said for her at St. Columba on February 6, 2001 at 8 AM.

Holiday basket days are hectic, stressful and joyous.  Many stories come
from these days.  I would like to share one with you:  At Thanksgiving,
a young father brought in a bountiful basket filled by his two children
ages 7 and 9.  They had a kool-aid stand during the summer and had spent
hours discussing how best to spend the profits.  Finally on their own,
the two children decided to help a family less fortunate.  We applaud
their generosity.

If anyone would like to contribute a story, please call our rectory
number 227-7863.
It is important to exchange these heart-warming stories!

Lastly, I would like to wish all of you a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New
Year.  Our next meeting will be January 10, 2001.  If inclement weather
cancels the meeting, a message will be left with the staff at St.
Columba Rectory  227-8380.

God Bless you,
Carole Grafer