Catholic Charities launches annual ‘Adopt-a-Family’ program 

SULLIVAN, ORANGE AND ULSTER COUNTIES — Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster announced the launch of its annual Christmas Adopt-a-Family program. Now in its 13th year, the Christmas giving program matches families referred by Catholic Charities’ case managers with donors who “adopt” them for Christmas. Last year, the generosity of donors brightened Christmas for more than 100 local families. 

Those looking to adopt a family for Christmas should contact Michael Peters at 845/562.4733 or email michael.peters@cccsos.org. Gifts should be delivered to Catholic Charities for distribution to families by December 11.

Families in need of support this Christmas should contact Catholic Charities Case Management Department at ccosuhelpline@cccsos.org or 845/561-1665 to discuss assistance options.

Gifts will be distributed by Catholic Charities employees to the adopted families between December 14 and December 23. 

For more information, visit www.cccsos.org. 

Food pantry distribution sites for November 

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — The Wayne County Food Pantry continues monthly distributions of supplemental shelf stable pantry items to registered families at each of its five locations during the month of November.

On Friday, November 13, the Newfoundland Area Pantry will offer a distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dreher Township Building, located at 899 Main St.

On Tuesday, November 10, the Honesdale Pantry location at the Tri-County Beverage Building, located at 214 Willow Ave., will host its distribution from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Thursday, November 19, the Damascus Food Pantry will distribute food items from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Damascus Township Building on Conklin Hill Road.

On Wednesday, November 18, the Lakewood Food Pantry at the Northern Wayne Health Center, at 412 Como Rd., will host its monthly distribution of goods from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

On Thursday, November 19, the Lakeville Pantry, located at the Paupack Township Building, will offer distribution from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To receive food assistance from the Wayne County Food Pantry, call the Area Agency on Aging Office at 570/253-4262 to register. Due to COVID-19, there are special protocols in place regarding social distancing and other mitigation measures. The details are available at www.WayneCountyPA.gov.

Lights for the holidays

CALLICOON, NY — I Love Callicoon Inc. is hosting a fundraiser in an effort to light up downtown Callicoon in time for the holidays. 

Funds will be used to buy and restring lights on the main tree by the train depot, and to install lights on Lower and Upper Main Streets, highlighting local shops and alleys.

All new lights will be LED with minimal electric usage, and they will be easier to maintain. 

For more information and to donate, visit www.bit.ly/callicoonfund. 

Wallace Berkowitz Cup supports NHC

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — The Wallace Berkowitz Cup golf outing, hosted by the New Hope Community Foundation, raises funds and awareness for the New Hope Community, a leading human services organization serving people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

The event took place October 5 at West Hills Golf Club, with 95 golfers in attendance. 

More than $37,000 was raised for New Hope Community’s Stables at McCoy Meadow, where the Therapeutic Horseback Riding/In House Program (THRIP) is held.  

For more information, visit www.newhopecommunity.org.

Basket bridge renamed in memory of Allan Milk

On November 1, the Basket viaduct bridge was renamed in memory of specialist Allan Milk.  Allan died in combat in Vietnam exactly 54 years ago, November 1, 1966 in what was then South Vietnam. 

Members of the Milk family were present at a small ceremony at the Long Eddy firehouse, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League to commemorate the bridge renaming. James Milk spoke on behalf of the family, saying that, going back to Gettysburg and the Civil War, “These hills gave their young men to fight for the freedoms that we all cherish.” 

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Sen. Jen Metzger, co-sponsors of the bill to rename the bridge, shared remarks and presented the Milk family with a resolution from the State of New York. A larger, formal ceremony will take place in April 2021.

Congregation Agudas Achim to host Shabbat services

ONLINE— Despite the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, Rabbi Fred Pomerantz, of the Reform Jewish Congregation Agudas Achim, will lead the Shabbat services on Zoom, exactly as he’s done for years while in person: with joy, enthusiasm and ever-uplifting prayer. 

The next Zoom Sabbat services take place on Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m. You do not need to be a member; this congregation welcomes anyone of any background or religion who wants to learn more about Judaism. 

To join email virtualshabbat@gmail.com or call Judy Siegel (845/798-0783) for Zoom information. 

Honesdale Rotary sponsors bloodwork clinic

HONESDALE, PA — For a cost of $41, anyone can have bloodwork done associated with cholesterol, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, liver disease and more on Saturday, November 14 at Grace Episcopal Church, located at 827 Church St., from 6 to 10 a.m.

Honesdale Rotary is sponsoring the annual blood analysis program with AMBA Wellness. The basic AMBA panel includes more than 20 tests, from triglycerides to creatinine to red and white blood cell counts to albumin and potassium. Optional tests such as PSA, TSH and Hemoglobin A1C need a prescription and will cost extra.

Pre-registration is required and no walk-ins will be accepted due to COVID-19. All safety protocols will be followed. Masks will be required for all who enter.

For more information and to pre-register, call 1-800/234-8888, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have your doctor’s name and address available when you call. Personal physician authorization and a photo ID are required.

Garnet Health receives national Success Story Award

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Garnet Health has announced it has been named a national 2020 Success Story Award winner by Press Ganey. 

Press Ganey is an independent organization that honors achievement in delivering reliable, safe, compassionate and high-quality care. The Press Ganey Success Story Award is a highly regarded symbol of achievement in the health care industry. Garnet Health is one of only six organizations in the United States to receive this honor in 2020. 

Press Ganey pioneered the health care performance improvement movement 35 years ago. The company works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

For more information, visit www.garnethealth.org.

Michael Clifford appointed board chair for Community Health Centers

HONESDALE, PA — During its annual meeting held October 13, the Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) Board of Directors appointed Michael Clifford, long-time resident of Honesdale and retired Chief Financial Officer of Wayne Memorial Hospital as its new chair. The position, a four-year term, was most recently held by Susan Gabrielson, whose collective service spanned 12 years.

Additional board confirmations made during the October annual meeting include Greg Capitolo, newly appointed as vice chair. Patricia Dunsinger continues as treasurer and William Schweighofer remains secretary. The Board also recognized Susan Gabrielson and Ann Foster, who have both termed-out after serving from 2008 to 2020.

For more information, visit www.wmchc.net or call 570/253-8390.

Lackawanna College Lake Region Center open house  

HALWEY, PA — Lackawanna College is hosting an open house of its Lake Region Center, located on the third floor of 8 Silk Mill Dr., on Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Those interested are asked to register by Thursday, November 19 at www.lackawanna.edu/openhouse.

CCE Sullivan to celebrate 106 years 

ONLINE — The public is invited to attend the virtual 106th annual meeting of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County on Wednesday, November 18. This free, 45-minute session will be held virtually through Zoom at 6:00 pm. Individuals must register.

For more information and to register, visit www.sullivancce.org/events.