Service to the community and events 

I believe giving to others is important. If you can make some time for a charitable cause, donate money or give back in some manner for all that you have, it is a good thing. I think it is a good practice to do good as often as you see an opportunity.  

 I serve on Beth Israel Congregation’s Board of Directors back in Washington, PA and recently became a member of WAT, Women All Together here in Bisbee.  WAT is a group of likeminded women who realize in these difficult times that many women feel very much frightened and alone.  Together, we can provide mutual support, reassurance and community.   The aim of the group is to help both members of the group and the wider community. 

 Possible areas of activity could include community gardens, bartering, food preserving, food distribution, donation or sale of reasonably priced goods, ride sharing, etc.  The first and foremost purpose of the group is to spread companionship, support, love and understanding with others. The willingness to share a smile and an open heart is at the core of our group which will always default to a social group for its members.  A PRIDE march is being planned for Saturday, June 20th in town.  Stay tuned for more activities. 

Back in Washington PA, I was a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh for a few years.   It is a TERRIFIC organization with many ways people can become involved and donate their time. Being a BIG is a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a child and the match hopefully lasts until the child graduates from school or becomes a legal adult. Kids in the program definitely benefit in so many ways.  For instance, they achieve better grades, higher self-esteem, acquire better socialization skills and coping mechanisms and are less likely to use tobacco products, drugs and alcohol. Being a positive role model can really set a child onto a better path than perhaps they are headed and it truly benefits the Littles AND the Bigs! Often matches stay friends and involved in each other’s lives for decades after the match is closed which is wonderful.

I have participated in activities with the Washington Salvation Army, and I saw as one of the MANY services they offer, youth cooking classes. Well, you can imagine that is right up my alley so from time to time, I want to continue to teach middle school kids some cool recipes and give them some insights on nutrition.  

I am grateful to have served on the Washington County Advisory Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) which has allowed me the opportunity to help plan and execute many annual fundraisers. I was honored to be awarded as the 2018 Board member of the Year.