LifeWorks Community Action Revives Popular May Day Event
SARATOGA SPRINGS – A long-standing event, sidelined temporarily due to the pandemic, was successfully restored to its cherished place on the spring social scene. Lifeworks Community Action (formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC)) held its 32nd May Day fundraiser at presenting sponsor Longfellows Restaurant on Thursday evening, May 26.
It was not a decision made lightly, according to LifeWorks Executive Director JoAnne Hume, She confided that she and her staff had concerns that the timing might still not be right for an in-person event.
And to be sure, while one could observe some mask-wearing and elbow bumps amongst the attendees, what you saw more, much more of were happy smiles by a committed staff who were proud to show off their programs (such as Head Start and Immigrant Services) at tables that were placed at locations throughout the restaurant; and those smiles echoed by a similarly committed gathering of attendees who were thrilled to have another chance to interact together again.
May is Community Action month, noted Ms. Hume as she introduced Kristle Nowhitney Hernandez, who in turn announced that LifeWorks’ 2022 Fund-A-Need Campaign would focus on their Food programs: Always an area of critical need – all the more so this year. These programs include the Food Pantry (which now has a mobile/delivery component), and the daily lunch kitchen that operates out of Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church at 24 Circular Street in Saratoga Springs.
Anyone who has priced food or gasoline lately would understand the need for on-going, increased funding, and therefore the emphasis placed on these programs.
It was a great feeling to have this event back in-person, and the best news of all can be summed up in three words:
More
To
Come.
In that connection, I am delighted to invite everyone to save the date of Tuesday, August 9, for another LifeWorks revival: Visión – a look at life behind the scenes will return to the porch of the 1863 Club at Saratoga Racecourse. This incredible photo exhibition is one of the most moving and motivational things you will see all summer. This event raises funds for LifeWorks’ Latino Community Advocacy Program – which provides English classes, interpreting and advocacy seasonally at the Saratoga Racecourse backstretch and year round to immigrant families through the Saratoga County area.
You’ll be hearing much more about this as we get closer, but for now, enjoy the gallery which follows, and for more information about all the LifeWorks programs mentioned, and even more, visit their WEBSITE.
Arthur Gonick – May 30, 2022
Gallery – In Bloom Once More! Photos: Jessica Troisi
The 12866 