This Week Declared Time Of Remembrance, Volunteerism, And Community Spirit Pride

A food drive conducted by the Daniel Hand High School's Interact and Excel clubs earlier this week resulted in 1,354 pounds of food, and several hundred dollars that were sorely needed at our local food bank, community volunteer Pam McKinnon told the Board of Selectmen Monday morning. 

She said she walked in the food pantry recently and was shocked to find some shelves that were "bare bones." "I've never seen it that way. This food drive made a huge difference. We should be very proud. Very, very proud, of the students who did this drive." 

McKinnon, other community volunteers, and town officials hope this is just the start of what could be a great week of community volunteerism, community spirit pride, and remembrance. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. on the town green, there will be a ceremony of remembrance to honor the four people from Madison, or with ties to Madison, who perished in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Dianne Bullis-Snyder, Anthony Demas, Peter Gelinas, and Robert Peraza. In the attack on Sept. 11, 2001, they were among 2,753 people who died, a toll that included including 343 firefighters and paramedics, and 23 NYPD police officers.

McKinnon, who is a dedicated community volunteer who has served the town in a variety of ways, has organized Civic Participation Week in the past and she hopes that this year it will be as successful as past years. 

In particular, she hopes that people consider making a donation to the Madison Food Pantry, among other worthy causes in town. 

The Food Pantry is on Orchard Park Road, Building 50, Units 3 and 4. Donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays, or can be dropped off in downtown Madison at the William Raveis Real Estate Office at 709 Boston Post Rd, Madison. The phone number at William Ravies is (203) 421-4998. 

McKinnon said there are other ways to give back to the community as well. "If you have elderly neighbors, see what you can do for them. As citizens, we really need to make an effort to give back, to honor those men and women who have died so that we have our freedom." 

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a motion to proclaim Sept. 8 to Sept. 15, 2013 as a time of remembrance, volunteerism and community spirit pride in the town of Madison. McKinnon was presented with a proclamation stating as much, accompanied by thanks from the Board of Selectmen for all of her work. 

Here are directions to the food pantry: 

From I-95 north, Exit 59. At end of ramp, take a right and then a quick left onto Route 1 north. Follow Route 1 into Madison. Approx. 1 mile into Madison, take a left onto Mungertown Road (immediately after car dealerships on left). Orchard Park Road is approx. 1/8 mile on the right.

From Follow I-95 south, Exit 60. At end of ramp, take a left onto Mungertown Road. Orchard Park Road is approx. 1/4 mile on the left (immediately after the railroad underpass).