A blessed All Souls' Day to Everyone -
Conference Call on November 1
We had a good conference call with Bishop Dietsche, Katie Mears, and approximately15-20 others yesterday - thank you to all who participated. As a result, we are getting a better understanding of the situation in Region II, which seems particularly hard hit, while the Mid-Hudson region seems to be least affected in the Diocese. Con Ed has said that they hope to have some power back on in NYC on Saturday; getting around Manhattan takes a while but is doable. Gasoline is in short supply in the NYC area and in Region II.
Staten Island continues to be hard hit. Chuck Howell reported that families who had lost their homes had camped out overnight in wet clothing. He and the Richmond clericus are working hard to find a solution and to address issues of food, shelter, and clothing.
Beginning of Recovery in NYC and Mid-Hudson ~ Region II Still in Aftermath Stage
I continue to think that we're in the aftermath and the beginning of short-term recovery stages in NYC and Mid-Hudson; Region II may still be in the aftermath stage, and it sounds as though their recovery may take the longest.
Given the difficulties in travelling, the consensus for providing support was that support will be more effective if it's a response to a local need. Our two biggest resources for support are the people of the Diocese and our parish halls.
Please Bring Supplies to St. Stephen's Pearl River or St. Peter's Peekskill for Onward Distribution
As a result, a dual-track plan for parishes to help parishes in need was developed.
Thanks to Val Stelcen, who has agreed to coordinate this part of the plan, congregations in the Mid-Hudson region are being asked to provide food, water, candles & matches, flashlights, C & D batteries, and firewood to two parishes in Region II: St. Stephen's Church, Pearl River, and St. Peter's Church, Peekskill, which will serve as distribution points to their local communities.
Please Bring Food and Water
to St. Marks in the Bowery Today
Similarly in Manhattan, parishes north of 34th Street are being asked to bring food and water (
non- perishables, stuff for sandwiches, food that doesn't need to be cooked) to St. Mark's in the Bowery today (Friday) 10am-4pm and to help canvass the neighborhood to see what the needs are. (Cf Facebook posts by the Rev'd Jennifer Linman, Archdeacon Bill Parnell, et al.) The Rev'd Winnie Varghese will decide today whether they will repeat their actions tomorrow.
Other items: A vehicle to post specific needs and resources is being developed for the Diocesan website and should be available soon.
There will be another conference call with Katie Mears on Monday, Nov. 5 at 2:30pm. The details about how to join the call will be provided at a later date.
On a lighter note, Susan Fortunato has pointed out that laundry is becoming an issue and tells me that the Laundromat in Pearl River has just re-opened: she is arranging with the Laundromat to provide a free wash to the first 50 people! Nice job, Susan!
Remember to take care of your selves and of your families. Thank you for your generosity, and God bless you all for all that you are doing.
Stephen+
Specific Requests
St Stephen's Church
84 Eberhardt Road
Pearl River, NY 10965
845 735-8888
The Rev'd Susan Fortunato, Rector
Has asked for:
Food
Candles/matches
Flashlights
C & D batteries
Firewood
Water
St Peter's Church
137 N. Division Street
Peekskill, NY 10566
914 739-2527 (cell)
The Rev'd Calye Hughes, Rector
Ms. Pat Richardson, Parish Administrator
Has asked for:
Food (produce, eggs, meats, bread, non-perishable items)
Candles/matches
Flashlights
C & D batteries
Water
St Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery
(10th Street & Second Avenue)
131 East 10th Street
New York, New York, 10003
212 674-6377
The Rev'd Winnie Varghese, Rector
Has asked for:
Help in canvassing their neighborhood
Food: non perishables, stuff for sandwiches, food that doesn't need to be cooked.
Water
