Until recently, I would have considered the phrase, it takes a village as being specific to raising children. However, as NY is phasing back into business, and in light of all that is going on around us, it is obvious to me that it will take a village to raise itself!
The fact is, our lives have taken a dramatic turn. We are jostling between uncertainty and indecision, wearing a brave face (behind a mask) for our friends and family, all while seeking a return to “normalcy” and a bit of happiness. There are some who find their bliss through good deeds and helping others. These “villagers” come in all shapes and sizes and Somers is full of them ...thank goodness!
I recently had the pleasure of working with the Somers Lions Club to coordinate, “Feed a Family,” with the intention of supporting neighborhood families in need. When a request to participate was put forth to Mamma Rosa Ristorante, Salsa Verde Taqueria & Bar and UnWined Winebar & Kitchen, each gladly signed on and generously began donating hot meals immediately. The Somers Lion’s themselves are going through a transition with the induction of incoming President, Tracy Reimann who reminds us, “The motto of the Lions Club is, We Serve, and this is what our small businesses have done, joined as a community to get us all through this crisis.” It is this spirit of serving one’s community that is exactly what appeals to me. I am so proud of the generous restaurants feeding our neighbors. These are three businesses facing challenges of their own right now. However, not one wavered in their swift response, they were feeding families days later!
As of this writing, there are three restaurants offering meals for families facing hard times. We have almost every day of the week covered, with the exception of Mondays. While I am sure my partner in this project, Theresa Reda could use a day off from coordinating the schedule, if there is one more Somers restaurant that would like to contribute with a Monday night meal, I’d love to hear from you. Theresa works tirelessly, and is committed to the Lions Club motto “We Serve.” She does so with such unbridled enthusiasm that I could not help but feel the waves of positive energy she radiates through the phone.
There are many businesses and people pitching in and helping the community, and my wish is that everyone of them is recognized. This initiative I am writing about is just the tip of the iceberg in a sea of community-minded citizens. Next time you are considering takeout or (yippee) going out for a meal in Somers, please consider giving your business to; Mamma Rosa Ristorante, Salsa Verde Taqueria & Bar and UnWined Winebar & Kitchen.
If there is a business or person you’d like to see recognized for their contributions, please tell me about them in an email to: jacque.hamlethubnews@gmail.com.