In an urban setting both the resources of a city as well as its challenges are in close proximity. That, in part, is what makes Christ Church such an exciting place to worship and to work. We are constantly being challenged by the needs of our community and we are constantly developing new resources to address the underlying concerns of our neighborhood.
This week, we will have our first hot breakfast with a guest speaker at 10 a.m. The first guest that we will have will be Sargent Terry Beam of the narcotics team of the Poughkeepsie Police Department. Over the summer, we had two opioid overdoses on our property. One young man was saved by the quick reaction of the nurse at Clinton Elementary School. The second you man, unfortunately, passed away. Sargent Beam will be here to discuss what we can do, as members of this community, to be aware and helpful in this growing opioid crisis.
We are also working on our property and most especially on our playground. Benches have been purchased for our playground area, generously donated by friends of Bill Riggs in celebration of his 75th birthday. We are getting two 6-foot benches (with an arm rest which breaks them into three foot seating areas) and will be installing them in the playground later this Fall.
In addition, thanks to a grant, we will be receiving bike racks for our yard as well! These racks will provide a safe place for members of our neighborhood and worshiping community to store their bicycles. Though we do not have a delivery date for these yet, we area hopeful that this project will be completed by the Spring.
Poughkeepsie is an exciting place to live and worship. We hope that by continuing to be proactive about our role in this neighborhood and in this City, we can continue to lead Poughkeepsie as it continues to grow and change. Please join us on Sunday at 10 a.m. to hear from the Poughkeepsie Police Department about current and future challenges in the City.