Annual Showcase Highlights Talent

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - Patrons at It’s All Good Restaurant in the City of Newburgh were treated to more than a fine dinning experience. Upon entering the eatery, you immediately knew something special was going on inside.

MC Rel Hola, the nights master of ceremonies, grabbed the microphone, as DJ Big Chris played some intro music, to let those patrons gathered know that they were about to be treated to a talent show sponsored by the City of Newburgh Youth Bureau. Students from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District had auditioned for a chance to appear on the stage at It’s All Good to compete for cash prizes for first, second and third place, and of course, the bragging rights that go along with winning.

With a full house of patrons, workers, fellow students and parents looking on, one can only imagine the amount of courage it takes to get up on that stage and perform.

And perform they did. Local youth showcased their talents, which included song, dance, and spoken word. When all the students had completed performing, it was up to the four judges, Rich Logan, Janette Sanchez-Polk, Craig Altmann and Sarah Espinosa to decide the winners based upon quality, appearance and originality. Before announcing the winners, MC Rel Hola reminded all those that participated, that they were all winners.

The winners of this year’s talent show: Taking home the third place prize of $50 was the band The Munchkin Punchers; The dance group All Star Team took home the second place prize of $75; and twelve-year-old Ayanna Anderson took home the first place prize of $100. Anderson recited an original piece of poetry entitled “Where are you?” while the great Sam Cook’s music was used in the background to underscore her piece about growing up in the inner city.
City of Newburgh Youth Coordinator Joy Pittman said, “We had a wonderful night tonight showcasing the talent of our local youth. Everyone had a great time and we hope to continue this next year at the third annual talent show.”

Pictured Above: Pictured is first place winner Ayanna Anderson reciting her original work “Where are you?”

Bernadette Laster Rises to the Top

In her inspirational CD entitled, “Since You Came”, Bernadette Laster, who is lovingly referred to as Ms.Bernadette - delivers a powerful blend of worship and praise that is sure to captivate any audience. Ms.Bernadette is determined to spread the gospel through her music, with a style that is both unique and reminiscent of Floetry meets Kim Burrell. Drawing from her eclectic musical influences of Kim Burreil and Avril Lavigne, this up and coming psalmist brings an undeniable force to gospel music.
Bernadette’s musical gift was discovered at a very young age. Her father, Bishop Willie Davis, helped to cultivate that gift by having her sing with her brother when she was only six years old. By the time she was nine, she was singing professionally in the United World Outreach Ministries church choir. Bernadette has worked steadily honing her craft and being recognized among the best of the best in music. In 2005, Ms. Bernadette won the semi final round for the Christian Artist Talent Show (C.A.T.S.), a highly respected award, which singled her out as one of the top gospel artist in the upstate region. Bernadette has been featured on several albums and has opened shows for such gospel legends as: James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, and Hezekiah Walker. She has also lent her vocals to a song produced by Wyclef Jean for Whitney Houston’s album; “Your love is my love”.

Bernadette is causing quite a buzz in gospel music with this new CD. “Since He Came” renders accolades from Bernadette’s vocal perfections in many forms. One such distinction coming in 2004 was when she received the ERIE Gospel Music Award for “Best Female Vocalist” on the album No stopping Us now (Jay Gooding & fellowship).

Currently, she is very busy promoting her inspirational CD. It is a powerful musical testimony that can be applied to all walks of life.“SinceYou Came”, written by Ms. Bernadette, is a collaboration with producer, Stephen “NEF” Saxon and the production team of Surefire Music Group, located in Massachusetts. Bernadette’s promotional tour is further confirmation that she is true to what she sings. Some of her special guest appearances on the tour include; Duchess County’s A.R.C.’S holiday benefit, which was hosted by Dr. Danielle Spencer (most popularly known for her role as Dee on the hit television show “What’s Happening”), Soul to Soul’s “Tribute To Fathers” and most recently, a featured artist for the “House of Faith” an agency serving battered women. That event included a tribute to Grammy nominee - Shanice! Ms. Bernadette was also a featured singer on Terrance Motley’s “TM Project” slated for release Fall of 2006.

This wife and mother of two aims high! Bernadette’s goal and mission is to reach the lost, and yet, while some might see that as a daunting task, Bernadette embraces it. She’s declared that “Since You Came” into her life, He made everything alright! With an assurance like that it’s only a matter of time until we hear of all the souls that she will touch with this much anticipated CD.

Weidkam's Work is on Display

Through the month of November, visitors to City Hall can enjoy a rare perspective on ordinary people and events through the eyes of Rachel Weidkam. Weidkam’s paintings and prints deal mainly with the human body and its psychology, and her images are portrayed realistically, conveying thoughts and emotions to which many of us can relate. Her subjects are people she knows, and the images are glimpses into their lives.

Weidkam studied at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received her BFA from Alfred University School of Art and Design. She is also a certified New York State art teacher.

Currently working as a professional artist, Rachel is also a substitute teacher for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Her works have been shown in the Mid-Hudson Valley and New York City. She is represented by Residue Gallery in Jersey City, NJ. More of Rachel’s art can be viewed at www.residuegallery.com.

Pictured above is the mural titled “Community” and was actually created by Weidkam with the help of more than 50 local children at the National Night Out event at the Newburgh Free Library in August.

SLCH’s Parking Garage Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

(Newburgh) - Less than one year after the groundbreaking for a multi-level parking garage on Dubois Street - opposite the Newburgh campus of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital - the community thursday celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new facility. More than 100 civic leaders and other friends of SLCH gathered for the event. The 540-space structure, which triples the number of spaces previously available in the surface lot that had been located at the site, will alleviate a parking shortage that has plagued the Newburgh campus for decades. Owned and operated by National Development Council, the $21 million garage offers convenient and secure parking, incorporates a helipad to expedite medical evacuation flights, and is designed to enhance the Dubois Street corridor. The helipad was funded in part by a $1 million grant secured with the support of Sen. Bill Larkin. Round-the-clock security includes regular patrols, 60 cameras, audio monitoring, and 10 emergency call stations.
“We’re proud to have partnered with National Development Council on this exciting project,” said Richard O’Beirne, Chair of SLCH’s Board of Trustees. “Parking at our Newburgh campus has been a challenge for more than 30 years, and the need has intensified as we’ve enhanced facilities and brought new physicians, programs and services to our community. The garage ensures our patients and visitors have convenient, secure access to our hospital and the quality care we provide.” He added, “This initiative is part of the revitalization of Newburgh, and reflects SLCH’s commitment to building not only a better hospital, but also a better place to live and work.” Speakers at the ceremony included Mr. O’Beirne, SLCH President and CEO Allan E. Atzrott, and National Development Council Senior Director and Eastern Regional Manager Daniel Marsh III. The Rev. Coleman Briggs, of New Hope Baptist Church, presided over the blessing.
The parking garage is scheduled to open to the public on November 27. An enclosed skyway connecting the garage to the hospital is expected to open in January. National Development Council, which owns and operates the garage, will charge $ .50 per half hour or a maximum of $5.00 per day for parking. SLCH will continue to offer valet service at the front entrance to the hospital for a one-time daily fee of $5.00.

Pictured Above: Participating in the ribbon-cutting were (from left): Richard J. Drake (former Chair, SLCH Board of Trustees), Todd Diorio (Business Manager, Laborers Local 17), Nicholas Valentine (Mayor, City of Newburgh), Charlie Robinson (helicopter pilot, LifeNet of New York), Richard O’Beirne (Chair, SLCH Board of Trustees), Sen. Bill Larkin, Dan Marsh (National Development Council), Allan E. Atzrott (SLCH President & CEO), and Rev. Coleman Briggs (New Hope Baptist Church).

Pictured To The Right: SLCH garage walkthrough at dusk.

Seven things to know about Keogh plans

Self-employed individuals are on their own when it comes to saving for retirement. One option available to them is the Keogh plan. These qualified retirement plans, although complicated, come with significant advantages. Here are seven facts the New York State Society of CPAS says you need to know about Keogh plans.

A Keogh can be opened by anyone with self-employment income.

You qualify to open and contribute to a Keogh if you earn self-employment income as an owner or sole-proprietor of a small business, as a partner in a partnership for which the plan is established, or as a self-employed professional. You also qualify if you are employed and participate in an employer-sponsored plan at work, but earn self-employment income from a sideline business.

Contributions are tax-deductible and earnings are tax-deferred.

When you contribute to a Keogh, you get a deduction for your contribution and you don't pay tax on your earnings until you start taking distributions from the plan at retirement. The deduction limit for contributions to a qualified plan depends on the kind of plan you have.

A Keogh plan must be set up by December 31.

To qualify for a deduction for 2006, you must have your Keogh plan set up by the end of this year. However, you have until the due date of your tax return to fund your account.

There are two main types of Keogh Plans.

There are two types of Keogh plans: defined contribution and defined benefit. With a defined contribution Keogh plan, the amount of your retirement benefit depends on how much you contribute to the plan and how well your investments perform. Your defined contribution plan can be set up as a profit-sharing plan or a money purchase plan. Profit-sharing plans are more flexible, since the contribution is dependent upon the profits of the business. This means you can skip making contributions during lean years. In the money purchase plan, a set amount is contributed every year, regardless of whether your business shows a profit or a loss.

A Keogh defined benefit plan is more like a traditional pension plan. It is set up based on the specific amount you want to receive from the plan at retirement. With this type of plan, each year, you contribute as much as required in order to reach your predetermined benefit upon retirement.
An actuary is generally required to calculate the amount of your annual contribution. This type of plan is less common than the defined contribution plan, as it typically is more complicated to set up and more expensive to administer.

A Keogh plan allows for a much higher level of contribution.

The most attractive feature of Keoghs is the high maximum contribution allowed. For 2006, the contribution limit for a defined-contribution qualified Keogh plan is $44,000.
For a Keogh defined benefit plan, each year, the contribution is based on the amount the actuary calculates is needed to fund the benefits promised under the plan.
Employees may need to be included in the plan.

You don’t need to have employees to establish a Keogh plan, but if you have employees, you generally must allow them to participate in your plan as long as they meet the minimum participation requirements. These generally relate to the employee’s age, length of service and hours worked per year.

A CPA can help.

Keogh plans can be complicated. If the plan covers anyone other than you and your spouse, you’ll need to file Form 5500 Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan with the IRS each year. Consult with a CPA for advice on opening and administering a Keogh plan.

Brighter futures for many blind veterans

July 17, 1944 is a day Bob Routh will never forget. Based at Port Chicago, California, a Navy base 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, the 19-year-old sailor turned toward a window in his barracks one night after hearing an explosion.

“It was the greatest fireworks you ever wanted to see,” he recounts. The fireworks, in fact, turned out to be the last thing Bob would ever physically see. He remembers it as the night he lost his eyesight from both the flying glass and an ensuing concussion.
Port Chicago had been the busiest ammunition depot on the West Coast during World War II. Although the Navy had been warned by the Coast Guard of impending disaster due to unsafe conditions at the port, procedures did not change. Bob was among the 390 sailors badly injured. Some 320 died.

A tragedy such as Bob’s could have easily meant the end of purposeful living. Not only was he completely blind, he was also a proud African-American intent on earning a living during a time of racial inequality and intense segregation. Instead of submitting to defeat, Bob refused to abandon the bright future and full life that he had envisioned for himself before the injury.
During his journey, Bob discovered an organization and a number of related causes that would serve him and to which he would dedicate his life for much of the next 55 years. The Blinded Veterans Association, or BVA, elected Bob to the National Board of Directors in 1973-74 and then again in the mid-1980s, when he served as National Secretary, National Vice President and National President. But a major turning point for Bob came in 1949-50 as he completed a Veterans Administration (now named Department of Veterans Affairs) blind rehabilitation program at Mines, Illinois, a program wholeheartedly endorsed by BVA. “The mobility I gained at Hines gave me freedom, and my newly discovered freedom gave me life again,” he said.

Many of our nation’s veterans from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are facing adversity similar to that endured by Bob as he recovered from his injuries in the late 1940’s.

BVA as an organization traces its roots back to World War II. Since then, the organization has been instrumental in spearheading and helping to sustain programs and services meant to give aid to blinded veterans.
To learn more, call 1-800-669-7079 or go to www.bva.org.

Office for the Aging Honors Caregivers

During the month of November, the Ulster County Office for the Aging, along with numerous national organizations, major corporations and community-based groups around the country, will celebrate National Family Caregivers Month 2006 (NFC Month) to thank and support our nation’s family caregivers.

According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), in any given year over 50 million people provide some level of caregiving services. Those services are valued at more than $306 billion dollars a year. Family caregivers provide more than 80% of all home care services. Of today’s family caregivers, 40% provide some level of nursing support. American businesses can lose as much as $34 billion each year due to employees’ need to care for loved ones 50 years of age or older.

“Our organization is pleased to have this opportunity to formally recognize and celebrate the valuable role they play,” said Evelyn Flynn, Coordinator of Caregiver Support Groups. The mission of these groups, which are called “Coffee & Conversation Groups for Caregivers,” is to provide caregivers with an empathetic, safe and confidential environment; a place where they will be refreshed, they will be able to laugh, to cry, to share their stories and be unconditionally accepted; a place where they can find hope and emotional support; a place where they will become aware of the resources in the community that can help with their caregiving responsibilities.

Meetings are held at the Office for the Aging, 400 Stockade Drive, Kingston, at 12 Noon on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month and at 5:30 PM on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

The National Family Caregivers Association, is a grass roots organization whose mission is to improve the overall quality of life of family caregivers and their loved ones, organizes NFC Month each year. “Our goal for NFC Month is to move from awareness to action,” said Suzanne Mintz, NFCA president and co-founder. “This year we are encouraging people to protect their own health. We see this as the greatest gift you can give your loved one because family caregivers report having a chronic condition at more than twice the rate of non-caregivers.”
To learn more about “Coffee & Conversation Groups for Caregivers,” please call the Ulster County Office for the Aging at: (845)-340-3456 or NFCA at: (800)-896-3650 or you can visit www.thefamilycaregiver.org.

School librarian files retaliation claim

Ms. Diane Zimmermann worked for the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District until last spring. She served as the middle school librarian and much more. She taught computer skills, library science and math. She was a first-line resource for both students and teachers engaged in research projects. She advised the after-school digital camera club and provided oversight in the School Store. She was lauded by one of the District’s principals as “a great teacher.”

During the 2005-2006 school year, a female colleague charged the District’s Dean of Students with sexual harassment. In the course of the District’s purported investigation, Ms. Zimmermann voiced concern that the District was more interested in vilifying her female colleague and exonerating the Dean than it was in conducting a full and fair investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment.
After she made this claim and offered testimony in support of her colleague, Ms. Zimmermann’s world crashed. The District denied her tenure, fired her and, in effect, prohibited her access to health coverage. When the stress caused a rapid deterioration in her health, she was hospitalized with dangerously high blood pressure and other stroke-like symptoms.

On Ms. Zimmermann’s behalf, Attorney Michael H. Sussman, filed a Federal retaliation lawsuit against the District on November 7, 2006. “She is highly ethical, compassionate and hard working,” Sussman said of his client. “The Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District willfully retaliated against her when she refused to remain silent about its treatment of her fellow teacher.
It is unconscionable that a woman who worked so hard for her students would be summarily discharged by the District for taking a principled and circumspect stand. It also violates the law to so retaliate.”

Dr. Philips Arbalino, Superintend- ant of Highland Falls Fort-Montgomery Central School District said “The school feels that it has a very strong case. Ms. Zimmerman was denied tenure for good reason based on administration observation and classroom observation. The school has a right to deny tenure.”

Anti-poverty strategy for the Master Plan

The City of Newburgh hosted a panel discussion on innovative strategies for social and economic justice for the City of Newburgh Sustainable Master Plan stakeholders on November 21 at 7 p.m in the Community Room of Orange County Community College. Bernard Lietaer and Edgar Cahn explored some groundbreaking strategies to alleviate poverty as the city moves forward with its largest redevelopment effort in more than 30 years. The public is invited to attend.

Bernard Lietaer served as a senior central bank executive in Belgium and was one of the two principal architects of the “ECU,” which developed into the European single currency (“Euro”). Named by Business Week as the world’s top currency trader in 1991, Lietaer is the author of several books including The Future of Money and The Mystery of Money, both translated into several languages. With Stephen Belgin, he co-authored Of Human Wealth: Beyond Greed and Scarcity, slated for U.S. publication this year.

The City of Newburgh Master Plan is being drafted with the assistance of Gwendolyn Hallsmith of Global Community Initiatives. Lietaer and Hallsmith are co-authors of a new workbook for communities called Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal (LASER). Lietar, in consultation with Hallsmith, developed some of the strategies described in the current Master Plan draft after review of the data and issues identified by the stakeholders.

Edgar Cahn, a Fullbright Scholar, began his career as a special counsel and speech-writer for U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and was assigned to the Solicitor General’s office to work with civil rights sit-in cases. In 1963, Cahn and his wife, Jean Camper Cahn (now deceased), published a Yale Law Journal article that provided a blueprint for the creation of a neighborhood-based legal services program. Subsequently, the Cahns worked in the Johnson Administration and are regarded as co-founders of the Office of Economic Opportunity legal services program. During the 1980s, Cahn conceived “Time Dollars”, a concept that advocates for social change through inclusion. It is based on the premise that everyone has something special to contribute and that a civil society can only succeed by enlisting the less fortunate as partners working towards change. Cahn founded the Time Dollar Institute in 1987 and is now joined in his work by his wife, Christine Gray-Cahn. Cahn has also been working with the Orange County Department of Social Services to introduce a Time Dollar system in Newburgh, which will be discussed at the meeting.

To alleviate poverty as the city moves forward with its largest redevelopment effort in more than 30 years. The public is invited to attend.
Bernard Lietaer served as a senior central bank executive in Belgium and was one of the two principal architects of the “ECU,” which developed into the European single currency (“Euro”). Named by Business Week as the world’s top currency trader in 1991, Lietaer is the author of several books including The Future of Money and The Mystery of Money, both translated into several languages. With Stephen Belgin, he co-authored Of Human Wealth: Beyond Greed and Scarcity, slated for U.S. publication this year.

The City of Newburgh Master Plan is being drafted with the assistance of Gwendolyn Hallsmith of Global Community Initiatives. Lietaer and Hallsmith are co-authors of a new workbook for communities called Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal (LASER). Lietar, in consultation with Hallsmith, developed some of the strategies described in the current Master Plan draft after review of the data and issues identified by the stakeholders.

Edgar Cahn, a Fullbright Scholar, began his career as a special counsel and speech-writer for U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and was assigned to the Solicitor General’s office to work with civil rights sit-in cases. In 1963, Cahn and his wife, Jean Camper Cahn (now deceased), published a Yale Law Journal article that provided a blueprint for the creation of a neighborhood-based legal services program. Subsequently, the Cahns worked in the Johnson Administration and are regarded as co-founders of the Office of Economic Opportunity legal services program. During the 1980s, Cahn conceived “Time Dollars”, a concept that advocates for social change through inclusion. It is based on the premise that everyone has something special to contribute and that a civil society can only succeed by enlisting the less fortunate as partners working towards change. Cahn founded the Time Dollar Institute in 1987 and is now joined in his work by his wife, Christine Gray-Cahn. Cahn has also been working with the Orange County Department of Social Services to introduce a Time Dollar system in Newburgh, which will be discussed at the meeting.

A Thanksgiving Meal

(Newburgh) - Orange County Legislatures James Kulisek and Christopher Eachus teamed up Tuesday night to deliver about 70 Thanksgiving meals to the residents at Burton Towers.
Ethel and Grandma Kay Chun prepared the meals at the Salvation Army. The traditional Thanksgiving meal consisted of turkey, dressing, gravy, yams, peas and cranberry sauce. With the help of Bill and Lillian Rogers from the New Windsor Optimist Club, desert, consisting of Pumpkin or Apple Pie, was served.

All the food for the meals was donated and Legislatures Kulisek and Eachus made contributions as well. “During this time of the year, it is important that we remember our seniors,” said Kulisek. Eachus also thanked those in the community who donated their time and money to help the less fortunate in the community to have a Thanksgiving meal.

Pictured above is Orange County Legislature James Kulisek sitting with seniors at Burton Towers after serving up traditional Thanksgiving meals.

Controversy over police shooting

(Newburgh) - Controversy continues around the death of Antonio Bryant, who was shot and killed by Newburgh Police on October 30, 2006. Omari Shakur, father of Bryant, led a peaceful march to Newburgh City Hall on Monday, November 13, 2006 where he called for Police Chief Eric Poalilli’s resignation during the City Council meeting. About 200 people filled the City Council Chamber calling for the Chief to resign and demanding that the administration stop allowing the bad cops on the police force to terroriz the children and neighborhoods.
Lillie Howard, grandmother of Bryant, said “I am greatly concerned over the searching of our peaceful group before being allowed to enter the Council Chambers the night of November 13, 2006, but when another group with members who are anti-Shakur appeared to a special Council meeting on November 16, 2006 they were not searched.”
It was alleged that a special Council meeting was held for this group after they claimed not to have been allowed to speak on November 13, 2006. Howard continued, “When the Mexicans marched on City Hall promoting immigration back in the summer of 2006, they too were not searched.” Shakur said, “more and more evidence supports my position that my son was executed by the police. We won’t stop until the truth comes out and the cover up ends.”
No one from City Hall was available for comments.
All protesters were scanned by police, at the entrance of the Newburgh City Hall, before they were allowed to enter on November 13, 2006.

Acupuncture in America

By Grace Okhiulu

Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest and most commonly used medical procedures. Widely used in the United States, acupuncture can be used alone as an alternative or complementary with other medical systems. About 5,000 years old, the practice is fairly new to North America. Before 1971, though available to the American public, acupuncture was neither well known or in the American mainstream. After James Reston’s July 1971 New York Times front page story, acupuncture became much better known. In that month and year, Reston, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and New York Times editor, traveled to China along with Henry Kissinger, then Secretary of State. The purpose of their visit was to prepare for President Nixon’s historical visit to that country the following year. On the trip, Reston fell ill with acute appendicitis and had an emergency appendectomy in a Peking hospital. Post-operatively, Reston, in a great deal of discomfort, was treated with acupuncture for pain relief. Very favorably impressed with the results, on returning to the States, Reston wrote an article in the Times about his experience with acupuncture.

A second development which helped propel acupuncture toward the American mainstream came from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1997, the FDA changed the classification of acupuncture needles from Class III “experimental and investigational” devices to Class II “safe and effective” devices. The needles would be for general use only by licensed, registered or certified practitioners. Devices had to be sterile, single use only and disposable. Next, again in 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a statement documenting acupuncture’s safety and effectiveness for a range of health conditions.

Standards and requirements for acupuncture education have been set nationally by government recognized Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO). Practitioners of Acupuncture in the United States must be state licensed and nationally certified. According to the ACAOM, in order to qualify for national certification and state licensor, acupuncturists must at least complete a total of 3,349 hours of training plus 1,032 hours of clinical internship in an accredited master’s degree or master’s level program. MD acupuncturists must complete a minimum of 300 hours of training which includes 100 hours of clinical training according to the Board of Medical Acupuncture Standards (BMAS).

Grace Okhiulu is board certified and state licensed in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. She practices in the Hudson Valley.
For more information please call 845-518-6076.

Hebron Lodge #48 feeds the needy

(Beacon) - At first glance, you’d think it wasn’t terribly successful. Mid-afternoon Saturday, there weren’t a lot of people coming into, or sitting in, the small room at the Beacon Community Center where the brothers of Hebron Lodge #48 were serving Thanksgiving dinner for seniors and other needy members of the community,as they do every Saturday before Thanksgiving.
All the diners present were concentrated around one of the several tables in the room, and there was more than enough time and unoccupied cooks to offer a visiting reporter and his hungry young son not just a sample of the repast but a full serving. And seconds, to boot. But appearances can be deceiving, as the saying goes. And this time they were.

“This time we got started before noon,” boasted Willy “Lee” Reed, coordinator of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. “I’ve made 40 deliveries to Forrestal Heights, 31 to Hamilton Fish and 8 to shut-ins on the street.”

Yes, most of the diners were eating in. Most of the good the lodge was doing could not be seen where they were doing most of it. Some still came in, however. One senior, Clarissa Hawkins, ate in grateful silence. With others, however, the brothers had to be careful to avoid being hustled. “We feed people,” explained chef Daniel McEachin following an encounter with one belligerent individual. “Some people want some for tomorrow. We don’t know. We’ve got to be careful.”

McEachin earned praise from his brethren for his culinary prowess. Asked to give an accounting of what went into making this day, he ticked off a list that included ten 20-pound turkeys, 50 boxes of stuffing and six 32-ounce bags of potatoes. By the end of the three-hour dinner, it had gone into making 151 meals, 93 that were delivered and 58 served right there at the community center, according to Bryan Hunt. Six more were made, for a total of 157 Thanksgiving dinners.
All of it had been purchased by the lodge and brothers. Reed said they accept no donations for Thanksgiving. “Lots of members of the community appreciate what we’re doing.”

So the brothers were in a pleasant mood as the afternoon drew to a close. To a one they singled out Worshipful Master Jeffrey Jackson for special praise for his role in making the event happen as successfully as it did. And the food was excellent. Particularly the gravy, to this taster’s palate.

The lodge is getting ready for its annual Christmas event, to be held 2-12 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Community Center on West Center Street, where they will be serving hot dogs, cookies and drinks. They do welcome donations for this, and interested persons can contact either Reed at 416-5714 or McEachin at 226-7892.

Pictured Above From Top to Bottom: Stanley Plowden of Beacon’s Hebron Lodge #48 serves Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday November 18th, at the Beacon Community Center, to Clarissa Hawkins.

Brothers of Beacon’s Hebron Lodge #48 at their annual Thanksgiving dinner event Saturday. From left, Fred Calhoun, Bryan Hunt, Carl Napier, Jeffrey Jackson, Andre Whitener, Christopher Woodley and Stanley Plowden.