FOOD INSECURITY

 
WiThePeople recently posted this video of Diane Reeder. She is the Executive Director of The Queens Galley, a food insecurity resource center she founded in 2006.  
The website pointed out that when the Queens Galley first opened, they served about 1,200 meals per month.  Now, in 2011, they serve between 9,000 and 9,500 meals per month.
 
Queens Galley is located on Washington Avenue in Kingston NY.
For more information on The Queens Galley, visit http://www.queensgalley.org/.

VOLUNTEER

Many of us got to read the article in the paper that calls for volunteers across the county. Our Executive Mike Hein is correct that we need to pump up the numbers in our Emergency & Fire Centers, but it goes beyond that.

The push for recruits comes when the desire to volunteer seems to be waning and the number of calls increasing. I would like to add my voice to that call to volunteer, but I would broaden the options a bit.

You know Kingston has a paid Fire Department, so the issue of manning a station is less the issue, however, the number of institutions that could use your help is increasing. Notably those who help families in need. That is where the current crisis is within our city limits.

I am willing to bet that of the 70 volunteer fire companies and EMS squads throughout the county, you'll find most of those who volunteer there extend themselves beyond that. Wouldn't you agree?

Visit the Queen's Galley, Angel Food East, one of or remaining Volunteer Fire Houses. Something. Maybe just get some neighbors together and clean up the forgotten corner. It takes an afternoon at the most. Knock on the door of the ailing senior down the street. Are they eating enough? Do they have electricity? How about a functioning bathroom?

These are the simple actions that make up the fabric of a community. The push for volunteers is a noble one and we need to be reminded once in a while. I commend Mike Hein for bringing this up, but the scope of need is wider than the emergency centers.

BIG NIGHT FOR QUEENS GALLEY

A terrific show Sunday night at the Bearsville Theatre!

The fundraiser concert for Queens Galley was a huge success. Orleans, with guests Robbie Dupree and Joe Bouchard of BOC put on a great performance. Playing hits like Hot Rod Hearts, Dance With Me, Don’t Fear the Reaper and Godzilla had the audience on their feet and screamin.

I arrived around 7pm for the silent auction and mingled with Kingston and Woodstock notables including Jon Sennett, Donna Hintz, Tim Halpern, Ugly Gus and Jeremy Blaber. The afternoon show was attended by Jim & Marybeth Sottile, Maryann DeGroodt of AGI, and Hon. Karen Peters.

Diane Reeder and hubby (pictured right) and staff did an outstanding job of warming guests with their personality and culinary treats. It was interesting being served by Phil Cosme during intermission. His is a common face at the Galley which served over 6 thousand meals last month.

People, we are in a nutrition crisis. Although Queens Galley does its part, they need support fiscally and volunteer wise. On the grander scope, the number of hungry children should alarm everyone. Those of us in local government do what we can to offset what Washington is doing to this country, but you could reach out and contact neighbors whom you suspect are struggling.

Put the gas prices and Tax/Reval issues aside and make a difference a few houses away.
If you’re reading this, you’ve got a computer and cable and electric and time to waste.
Local and National politics aside, this is our immediate crisis and we should all be a part of the solution.

The Queens Galley, Kingston, NY 12401 - Home