Dear JCOGS family,
This Monday we have a Blood Drive at JCOGS. Every year during this season, there is always a critical need for blood donations, but this year it’s especially true. Wishlist item #1: Please join me by signing up
here.
I hope you will come to Sunday’s exciting outdoor Snowmench event, with a firepit, hot apple cider and cider donuts, sledding, movement with Stephanie Justine of Studio 108. The timing of the event has changed to 3-5 p.m. (not 4-6 p.m. as previously advertised). Wishlist item #2: Try to make it to
this lovely event. This is for all ages.
Now, onto other matters related to snow… I was at the mountain getting Hersh his skiing pass for the year. Yes, 3-year-old Hersh… and it’s his skiing. He’s a true Vermont kid. The woman behind the counter recognized my name and said: “Aren’t you with JCOGS? And aren’t you all very involved in the Lamoille Community House warming shelter?” That moment affirmed to me that JCOGS was doing something right.
Many of our new members don’t even know the story (which you can read more fully in the Stowe Reporter
here) of JCOGS’s early involvement with the shelter: how our long-time friend Father Rick Swanson opened the St. John’s church two days after Christmas in 2017 to those out in the cold, how weeks later JCOGS opened our doors to assist in hosting guests in our social hall, and how over the years our members have supported the cause with food and financials.
From a fledgling startup shelter in that first year to a robust organization, the Lamoille Community House begins its 5th year in operation on Monday, and is
making an impact on the lives of so many community members, because “no one should be without a warm place to sleep.” With COVID and its ensuing employment and housing crisis, LCH’s impact skyrocketed to more than 120 people served last year, including 30 children, becoming the premier organization tackling homelessness issues in our county.
Given JCOGS’s commitment to housing insecurity, it is not surprising that we have recently initiated a housing task force, chaired by Judith Wine. Wishlist item #3: Our first cause is to help LCH fulfill its
shelter wishlist, helping to supply basic items for the winter season. That’s the promise I recently made to their Executive Director Kim Anetsberger. So the housing task force is reaching out to you for your help.
I often think of how lucky we are. That we have a roof over our heads and delicious food on our plates. That I have blood imbuing me with life and am healthy enough to donate. That even our 3-year-old can ski. If you were able to open this email, it means you are part of the lucky ones, too, who have what you need to survive a cold winter. Enjoy the warmth. Enjoy the Chinese food and a movie! And please help make a difference.
Tihiyu bri’im, stay safe, be well. Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
PS If you have not yet given to our end-of-year appeal, please consider
a donation to JCOGS before the end of 2021. We will share an update next week on our progress. Let’s make it a good one.
