Letter from Priest in Charge
The Reverend Chris Lee
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Below: The Vestry poses for a post-retreat selfie
(not pictured: Rick Romeo, Kelly Leonard O’Keefe, Christian Hakim) | |
October 12, 2024
Dear friends—
With dozens gathered on our Great Lawn, we closed the Season of Creation on Sunday, October 6th with the annual Blessing of the Animals. It may have been while flinging holy water at a beautiful pair of ferrets—a first for me—that I fell in love with this community all over again, marveling at all the ways we’ve been blessed by God.
And yet our hearts were also breaking for the victims of Hurricane Helene, which left hundreds dead and swathes of the southeast without power, water, cellphones and other basic services. (You can click here to donate to Episcopal Relief and Development’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Please see below for an update about SMTV's donation to the Hurricane Relief Fund.) Scientists tell us that climate change is making storms like Helene and Milton, which immediately followed, much stronger than they would be. These are the two sides of our story with God—the abundant gift we’ve been given in Creation and our failure to protect and preserve it.
We could say it comes down to a question of stewardship, and our response at St. Mary’s has been, among other things, to increasingly “green” our events, undertake an energy audit of our buildings, and develop a composting program. Composting is becoming a personal passion for me because it reminds me that justice begins with the ground beneath our feet. To see what many consider waste transformed into new life is to be swept up into both the story of Creation and of Jesus—who was “thrown away” by the powerful, only to be raised into eternal life.
Stewardship in this larger sense also emerged as a top priority for our Vestry during its retreat in September. After digesting and discussing the report of the Strategic Planning Task Force, the Vestry set a goal for the coming year of creating a plan to develop the Parish House. The precise shape that plan takes will be driven by mission—asking how, in our particular time and place, we might “live God’s future now,” as the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells likes to say. (click video link below)
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Over the coming weeks and months, the Vestry will look to answer that question by listening—to you, to the wider community, and above all to the Holy Spirit. I hope you’ll agree that this is truly good and holy work, and are as excited as I am to get started.
Faithfully,
Chris+
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clee@smtv.org
Chris can be reached on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the parish office 914-238-8751 and anytime for pastoral care 646-431-9298 (cell)
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News from C0-Wardens
Durrie Golding and
Camilla Calhoun
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Embracing the Season of Stewardship:
Reflect, Support, and Grow
With the advent of fall, comes our season of stewardship. Personally, I like to take these next few weeks to reflect on many questions: Why am I here at St. Mary’s? What drew me here in the first place? What keeps me here? Where would I like to see our congregation going in the next several years? What do I have to offer? How can I best support this amazing spiritual family and community?
With these questions in mind, I am thrilled to have seen so many people working together this summer and fall to help maintain and improve our church property and grounds. It has truly been heart-warming to see the love and care we feel for our sacred space.
Knowing that we all have choices in our lives: how we spend our time, who we include in our lives, what causes we want to support – I hope that you will choose St. Mary’s.
As you reflect on what you can do this year in support of our 2025 stewardship campaign, know that all gifts and pledge amounts matter. Getting your gift in before the end of the year enables the Vestry to steward our property in a fiscally responsible way and allows for future strategic planning for the sustainability of our church parish.
There will be more discussion to come on stewardship in general in the next several months, but in the meantime, understand that what you can give today enhances our tomorrow.
Blessings to you all,
Durrie Golding
Greetings from the Buildings and Grounds Department
Many thanks to Barbara Romeo for getting us a great deal and really good
workers who added soil and grass seed to level off the drop created by the new
driveway paving. We ask all parishioners to be mindful not to step on or drive
over the edges of the new driveway in general, but particularly now as the edges
are seeded. We need the grass to keep the soil from running off.
Thanks to Eric Dammann for arranging for the contractor to paint our parking
spaces. We finally will have specific guidelines on where to park and two
handicapped spaces, a great addition to our new driveway.
The energy audit was executed by NYSERDA for all three of our buildings. The
task before us now is to follow up with a set of priorities and a plan to guide us
towards accomplishing our goals of efficiency and energy savings.
A committee will be meeting to explore both creative and practical overall ways to
use and re-envision the Parish Hall.
Regarding the projected work to add a stone exterior to the front facade of the
Parish Hall, we are waiting for the architectural drawings that the building department
has required to get the permit. We had hoped to begin this project this
fall before the cold weather. At the moment we cannot report if it can be
accomplished now or will have to wait until the spring.
Many thanks to the B&G Committee, John Priscantelli, Andrew Tustian, Barbara
Romeo and Eric Dammann for all the work you do up front and behind the
scenes.
With blessings to all,
Camilla Calhoun
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Vestry Minutes
Meeting Minutes are available on bulletin board outside of Parish Hall office
or by contacting Rich at juzumas@verizon.net.
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUNDAYS
Holy Eucharist 8am and 10am
WEDNESDAYS
Meditation 7pm
Compline 7:30pm
THURSDAYS
Morning Prayer 10am
Lectionary Brunch Bible Study 10:30am
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NOVEMBER
Sunday 11/3 All Saints’ Day
Holy Eucharist 8am and 10am
All Souls Evensong with Commemoration of the Faithful Departed 5pm
Tuesday 11/5 Election Day
Church is open for prayer and reflection 8am-8pm
Friday, 11/15 Midnight Run
Parish Hall Set Up 7 - 8:30PM
All are welcome to join.
Sunday 11/24 Harvest Sunday
In-gathering of Annual Pledges
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DECEMBER
Sunday 12/8 at 8am and 10am
Guest preacher the Rev. Cn. Alissa Newton
Sunday 12/15
Holy Baptism 10am
Advent Rectory reception 4-6pm
Tuesday 12/24 at 5pm and 8pm
Christmas Eve services
Wednesday 12/25 at 10am
Christmas Day service
JANUARY 2025
Sunday 1/5 Christmas Pagent
Celebrating Epiphany- read below
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Lector, Usher and Acolytes
We continue to need Acolytes as well as Lectors and Ushers. No experience necessary! You will be well-trained by the fine folks who currently perform these roles.
Interested in volunteering? Please email Fr. Chris.
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CREATION CARE IN ACTION at SMTV
by Camilla Calhoun
We now have compost signage at the Earth Machine and at the wooden bin. Please follow the posted instructions for adding to our composting program. Since Fall is here, please feel free to bring in any plant trimmings and raked-up leaves to add to the bins for our brown materials.
Click on images to print or view the Composting Process.
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News from
Director of Music, Dr. Alexandra Beliakovich-Shkoda
The SMTV choir has been enjoying singing this Fall! Since the beginning of the choir
season in mid-September, the adult choir has been hard at work preparing beautiful
anthems and special choir hymns for every Sunday. Besides the now usual Renaissance
anthems we have been focusing on some very special and gorgeous spirituals. Songs like “Hear My Prayer” by Moses Hogan and “Wayfaring Stranger” arranged by Peter Frost
were welcome additions to our choir repertoire and were very well received by the
congregation.
Many thanks go to our wonderful soloists: Jesse Brundige, Barbara Doss,
Durrie Golding and Michael Lanzano. Also, special thanks to our great altos: they have
been so helpful and flexible when we needed tenor reinforcements! The most recent highlight was a visit by Nick Markoff a few weeks ago. Nick joined the choir that day and added his mighty and beautiful bass voice to our choir as we performed “Jesu, dulcis memoria” by T.L. de Victoria. To me, this was a truly special and memorable choir performance, which was acknowledged by many congregation members who were present that day.
The Children’s Choir is back in full force and busy preparing for their concert on
November 24th. It is our third season and our little choir is continue to grow! This Fall,
we welcomed three new members: Celine Brundige, Franny Dunn and Conrad Lange.
Our concert will be very special - again! This time, the children’s choir will be
accompanied by the adult choir in one of the songs. There will also be two special guest
performers involved, so put November 24th on your calendars!
Alex Shkoda, Music Director
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If you or someone you know would like to join our choir, sing a solo or play an
instrument during our Worship services, please let me know by emailing me at
belpianist@yahoo.com.
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Meet the Tustian Family
Andrew, Elisa, Charles and James first attended St. Mary the Virgin in Chappaqua on Easter Sunday 2016, when they moved from Tarrytown. As they had already been enjoying attendance at the Episcopal Church in Tarrytown, St. Mary’s was the obvious choice! Back in Tarrytown, Andrew had served on the vestry and Elisa had served on the choir and an occasional mommy and me English language learning group.
Since their move, Andrew has volunteered at St. Mary’s with the vestry and served as a warden and alter server. Elisa has volunteered with the Sunday school, choir, homeless shelter and Hour Children service opportunities. Charles and James have served as acolytes and in children’s chior. In Spring of 2025, the entire family looks forward to Charles’ confirmation!
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News from The Sunday School Director, Joanne Tiebout Douglas
Dear Sunday School Families,
Sunday School during the summer was successful. The usual format of prayers & Bible reading from the Sunday Mass readings continued. Class attendance varied as different families were on vacation. The children can recite the 3 prayers well [Our Father, Glory Be & Hail Mary].
This fall congregation members, including parents of students, are co-teaching. The 2-class format will begin again when we have 2-3 older students. Now our average class size is six. Attendance in the fall is lower due to sports & colds.
This year the Christmas pageant will be held on Jan. 5, 2025. Our pageant includes the Kings who, according to tradition, came on Epiphany, Jan. 6th.
We are trying to teach the children the different sections of the Church Year. The beginning of the year is Advent, followed by Christmas and Epiphany, the showing of Christ. We celebrate Advent with each child receiving & using an Advent calendar; Christmas with festive Masses & Epiphany with a festive Mass and the pageant.
Please encourage any child from ages 3 through 12 to come to Sunday School. Drop-ins are welcome. God is blessing our Sunday School!
Please email for any questions regarding Sunday School: josiebabette@gmail.com
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Our Fall semester began with the blessing of the backpacks. Each participant received a small wooden cross that could be attached to the backpack.
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YOUTH CONFIRMATION
St. Mary's is blessed to have a Confirmation class this year. Charles Tustian and Callum Lee began on September 29th, and will spend the next nine months learning about the Church and Christian life, so that they can "make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and...receive the laying on of hands by the bishop." (BCP p. 412)
Please keep Charles and Callum in your prayers!
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Thanks to all who attended the annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 6th. | |
COMING SOON
Watch for the annual Giving Tree in the Parish Hall. Ornaments will be available with a donation request.
The charities we’re supporting this year are:
A-HOME, Boys & Girls Club of Mt. Kisco, Hour Children at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, Hope’s Door, and Neighbors Link.
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Outreach for TACONIC CORRECTIONAL FACILITY |
Thank you for the volunteers who donated food and drinks for the lunch sandwich platters with all "fixin's" for lunches for kids visiting their incarcerated moms on Sunday - July 21, 2024.
SMTV provided lunch platters, snacks and art goody bags for the Taconic Correctional Facility's
Summer Camp Program.
This year, due to a shortage of host families, the kids came on Saturday to Monday. Nonetheless, all the kids who were able to attend could visit for the 3-day camp and go to the prison for programming.
As has been our tradition, we did a sandwich buffet for 25 kids, moms and staff. We arranged platters so the kids and their moms can make sandwiches together. We sent along fresh veggies and fruit, snacks, and cookies too. The Sunday School helped to assemble the art goody bags.
Thanks to all who donated so generously – here’s what Jessica Hall, Program Director, Hour Children Children's Center, Taconic Correctional Facility, wrote in an email immediately after the lunch: “Thank you so much for the amazing sandwich fixins! They were a big hit as well as the fruit. AND, the pickles! They all enjoyed building their own sandwiches.”
Thank you to Joanne and the Sunday School children who helped assemble art goody bags for the kids visiting their moms in prison.
Thank you to Kelly who delivered a full car load to the Taconic Correctional Facility.
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Jessica Hall, Program Director and
Kelly Leonard O'Keefe with the donations (delivery drop off location is obscured for privacy reasons)
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PRISON MINISTRY - Fr. Chris Lee
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
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I was in prison and you visited me (Matthew 25:36)
There’s a flash of panic when those massive, iron-barred doors slowly close behind me. I’m unmistakably in a place designed to prevent people from getting out. On top of that is the sense of vulnerability that comes from having empty pockets. That modern talisman and adult pacifier better known as my phone stays locked in the car. All that is allowed is an ID, a stole, and my Book of Common Prayer.
I remember these words: He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. (Mark 6:7-13)
When my colleague the Rev. Drew Courtwright asked for volunteers to celebrate Holy Eucharist at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility once a month, I responded without hesitation. For me it was one of those unambiguous invitations the Holy Spirit sometimes sends us. I was warned that the vetting process could take months, and New York’s state bureaucracy didn’t disappoint. After almost a year I was finally approved and made my first visits over the summer.
The sprawling compound is an incongruous mix of dilapidated red brick buildings, what looks like an abandoned 1960s high school, and a towering block of gray cement that houses the women. Deep in the heart of the place, past the dog-training center, across a series of overgrown courtyards, and at the end of several neon-lit corridors, is a modest chapel. It’s furnished with faded “religious” art, hand-me-down pews, and a raised dining table that serves as an altar.
Around 1pm, a handful of women start to file in. They wear drab prison green, and some bring their dogs. Some are “cradle” Episcopalians, and know the liturgy by heart. Others come from different Christian traditions, or no tradition at all. Some take notes during the sermon, some cry during Communion, and a few can sing in harmony. All of them have found a spiritual home here, and comfort in the cadences of the BCP. I do my priestly stuff—preach, preside over the Eucharist, and maybe offer a little pastoral support. I also get to lead the hymns on acoustic guitar, which is a special treat. But then, of course, I get to go home.
I know it sounds naive, but it’s hard to imagine any of these women committing the kinds of offenses that would land someone in a maximum security prison. With me, they are unfailingly thoughtful and kind. They come from every walk of life. What’s brought them together, what they have in common, is a deep curiosity about God, and a hunger for redemption. In a place where it’s probably very easy to feel sad, angry, and forgotten, they come here to feel safe, hopeful and human. So do I.
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Last March, Bishop Mary Glasspool visited and confirmed one woman in the congregation. I may be ordained, but she is in many ways the real minister here, serving as a one-woman altar guild, acolyte, and “warden.” I couldn’t do what I do without her help. I remember being surprised the first time she referred to the group as “parishioners.” But she’s exactly right. This feels as much like a parish as anywhere I’ve ever served. And whether they know it or not, I receive much more from these women than I’m able to give.
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HARVEST MOON AUCTION GALA
OCTOBER 19, 2024
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Thank You
A big thank you to all who participated in the Auction Dinner!
With a packed Parish Hall again this year, we had a very successful Harvest Moon Auction Gala.
The decorations committee transformed the Parish Hall and the cocktail hour was highlighted by the amazing crudite platters. Food from Mt. Kisco Seafood was delicious and of course, who could pass up all the fantastic dessert goodies provided by our very own parishioners.
Bidding was steady and competitive for the silent items and people had fun at the Raffle table that was open throughout the event. Ever the consummate auctioneer, Eric Dammann rocked the house as he promoted the live item offerings.
Thank you to everyone who made this night such a success. All in all, another wonderful night of fun, fabulous food, and great fellowship.
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Special Appreciation to the Auction Dinner Committee!
who worked tirelessly to organize,set up, clean up, solicit, bake and decorate - Janet Priscantelli, Durrie Golding, Dave Aplin, Eric Dammann, Barbara Romeo, Denise Hanchet, Mara van Fleet, Barbara Doss, Helen Ewen and of course, Laurane and Fr. Chris.
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MRAP Update by Denise Hanchet
Migrant Relocation Assistance Program and Neighbors Link
Resettling Families Together
Thank you to our parishioners who have continued to support our efforts in helping to resettle families seeking asylum who are moving from shelters in NYC to homes in Westchester, in partnership with Neighbors Link. Neighbors Link is participating in the New York State funded Migrant Relocation Assistance Program, providing eligible newly arrived families with safe and affordable housing in Westchester, assisting with basic needs, and providing case management services for one year.
Together we have helped resettle families from Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Venezuela. Through this program over 100 families have been resettled from countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, Russia, and Guinea. After we successfully resettled a Nigerian family of 5 in March and a family of 6 from Afghanistan in July, Anne Dreyer led us in our spring collection. Thanks to Anne, in October we resettled a family of 6 from Venezuela from a NYC shelter to their new home in Yonkers. See photos of the boxes delivered to Jodi Katz of Neighbors Link for setting up the family's new, safe apartment.
Many thanks to all of you who have given so generously!
Link here for Fact Sheet for MRAP
For more information about sponsoring additional families, please contact Denise Hanchet at hanchet@verizon.net or (914) 671-0128.
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MIDNIGHT RUN
Our next Midnight Run will be on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Parishioners of all ages and their friends are encouraged to drop by the parish hall that evening any time from 7-8:30PM to prepare food and sort donated clothing and toiletries for those who are unhoused. Families are welcome to come for any of this prep time. No RSVP needed. Pizza will be available for anyone who would like to share some food during the prep. Some of our little ones come in pajamas to help out before bedtime. It is a special time of parish service and fellowship and a lovely way to introduce potential new parishioners to St. Mary's.
Please leave all donations in the second floor classroom in the parish hall
with the sign that says “Midnight Run.”
- Used (or new) men’s pants, shirts, jackets, hats, gloves, shoes, especially size XL
- New men’s underwear and socks
- Soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving cream, combs, brushes. Please do NOT include mouthwash in donations
- Seasonally appropriate women’s clothing
If you are interested in going on the run to distribute clothing, toiletries, food, and primarily compassion, please contact Denise Hanchet at hanchet@verizon.net or (914) 671-0128. Denise is managing the van waitlist for Eric Dammann and Sean Fitzgerald. There are a limited number of seats in the van, so you may be wait listed for a future run.
For more information, please visit midnightrun.org.
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On the last Midnight Run: Leaders Sean Fitzgerald & Eric Dammann
Team: Cindy Forrest, Mike & Alice Higgins, Jesse Brundige, Britt Hayes & Joe Meyer
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Midnight Run is a volunteer organization dedicated to finding common ground between the housed and the homeless. The late-night relief efforts create a forum for trust, sharing, understanding, and affection. The human exchange, rather than the exchange of goods, is the essence of the Midnight Run mission. | | |
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FOREVER
by John Priscantelli
Let me take you down to the decision to donate 10% of the net proceeds of the festival which is consistent with our policy. The Vestry decided to donate $1,700 (10% of the net proceeds) to the Episcopal Relief & Development Hurricane Relief Fund (also known as the ERD Hurricane Relief Fund).
We once again express our gratitude to all who gave their time and resources. It is a time when we all come together, work hard, have fun, and reach out to our town community. After all, what would the Spring be without our festival?
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Thank you Dana Fenlon!
Just a quick shoutout to say a HUGE thank you to Dana Fenlon for being the rockstar co-editor we all needed!
Your unwavering support behind the scenes, bringing The Bell to life over the years has been nothing short of amazing. From gathering photos to whipping up graphics and perfecting those pesky proofs, you’ve truly done it all!
Your countless hours, dedication, and hard work have made such a big difference. We have all been so grateful to have your assistance—thank you for being such a fabulous support!
MaryAnn Bayer, The Bell Editor
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A belated to Congratulations to 2024 Graduate
Chris Kumaradjaja
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Chris graduated from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University with 2 graduate degrees; a Masters in Architecture and a Masters in Historic Preservation.
Best of luck as he starts his career at CANY Architects & Engineering in NYC.
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While on Summer Vacation...
by John Priscantelli
A GRIFFIN FAMILY ENCOUNTER
Our yearly jaunt to Ogunquit Maine brought along with it a great surprise! While sitting down for a cup of coffee at our favorite coffee shop, Bread and Roses, former parishioners Lisa and Dan Griffin walked by! We hugged, we reminisced, and truly enjoyed this visit with them. Later in the day, we reconnected with them for more conversation and pictures.
This very talented family were parishioners for about 7 years. Their children, Julia and Patrick
were favorites of many, including us. They owned a high-end French country furniture company in Manhattan. With the onset of the one-size-fits-all all model like the Ikeas they decided to sell the business and move to Vermont. They regrouped, and bought a house and a store. With the culinary skills of Lis (she has a culinary degree) and the high-end carpentry skills of Dan, they refurbished their home and opened a bakery. The Stowe Bee Bakery & Café, in Stowe Vermont. It has become a go-to destination for town folks and skiers. They feature Breakfast-Lunch-Café food and Bakery food. They cater and have dinner to go food. Go to the website, the food looks indescribably delicious! We have not been there but we’re sure it’s fantastic!
We remember Lisa running the bake sale at the Strawberry Festival and the amazing job she did
baking and running it. Not to be outdone, Dan used to run the grill and Dan was the man! Julia still talks fondly about the festival. Julia goes to college at South Carolina and Patrick at the University of Arizona at Tucson. Their criteria were warm weather and big schools. Their high school was a bit small, and the winters were always characteristically cold.
This was our second time unexpectedly running into them in Ogunquit. The first time was
maybe 8 years ago on Ocean Avenue which is the main road in town. They were driving by and as we crossed the street they were stopped in traffic.
One of the sayings when we go on vacation is coined by John, do you see anyone you know?
Well, we did and are so happy and we saw them. We hope that if you’re up their way skiing or
vacationing you drop by the bakery and you too will have a chance to reminisce with two great people and oh yes, eat at the STOWE BEE BAKERY & CAFÉ!
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HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
Can you help a child visit their mother at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility over Veterans Day weekend, Friday, November 8th-Monday, November 11th?
If you are interested in hosting, please reach out to visitationprogram@hourchildren.org. For more information on hosting, visit the HourChildren website.
If you'd like to host but need help transporting the kids to/from the daily programming at the facility, please contact Dana Fenlon and she will arrange for Good St. Maryans to assist.
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The next issue of the Bell will be a WINTER issue
Send along photos, ideas and stories to stmvbell@gmail.com
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