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w-s | A local Grinch? Editorials _ Helping the helpers There are hundreds of people in this area who volunteer their time to help oth- |__ ers. Many of them are members ofnon- profit organizations - organizations that help the sick and troubled, feed the hun- gry. care for abandoned animals or help preserve local history. These people give generously of their time and energy and . the contibutions of the organizations they serve is immeasurable. But these people and orgamzations need help too. Some ot the things that local nonprofit groups need are fisted in our Holiday Wish List and hood Pantry List on pages B26 and B2C in our Arts and Laitesiyles section [here are obvious needs tor funds and tor volunteers Tt you can help supply these needs. your assistance will be more than welcome. However. there are less obvious ways that you can help as well. Some of these are mentioned on the Wish List. but others are not because organiza- tron~ often hesitate to ash for things that do not directly help their mission. Almost any nonprofit organization can \ use things that will make life easier for the workers ard almost all of them work in quarters that are less than luxurious. Are you refurbishing your offices? Updating your equipment? Replacing bat- tered file cabinets? Call one of the organi- zations on our Wish List. What you are throwing out is probably better than any- thing they have and they will be glad to accept your donation. Did you get a new coffee pot or microwave for the holidays? Has a child come back from college with a minirefrigerator that no one needs? Call ane of the organizations. Are you handy with tools? Perhaps you could volunteer a bit of time. Tell a group you would like to support that they can call on you if they need to put up a shelf or do minor repairs around the office one day. This is another chance to exhibit the holiday spirit - to help those in our com- munity who selflessly help others. Bah humbug to the Grinch who recently took the Jesus and lamb statues from the Nativity scene on the lawn of a Laurel Avenue funeral parlor. We don't under- stand what makes people commit this kind of vandalism - which seems to be occur- ring with increasing frequency - but we'd hate to see decorations disappear from local lawns because of fear of van- dalism. MPG firm of Northport b unludcyaanof' WWywmbcmeor confimmflom mums» Sod @ , con mmmm e fimmmszmmmmm mm; Opinion L We'll miss Betty TO THE EDITOR: Many of you may have known Betty Lockwood, whether it was as a neighbor, a friend, or through her many charitable works in this community. To paraphrase an old Irish saying, \If you were lucky enough to know Betty, you were lucky enough.\ For those that did not know Betty, I will tell you a little about her. Betty was an extraordinary woman who gave her all during her nearly 57 years in Northport, especially to the people who loved her and, in particular, to those in need. She had a wonderful wit and a disarming charm. We will never forget the sound of her voice, her happy greetings. her devilish laugh and her delightful sense of humor. We will also remember her tireless work for the people who needed help in our community. Some 27 years ago, Betty was urged by a friend to help with the orgamization ot a small group of Clergy and Lay people to oversee the increasing needs of people in our community who were without resources and in need of food and comfort Due primanly to her hard work as director, that group is still going strong and grow ing today as The Ecumenical Lay Council of Northport, East Nosthport. She worked tire- lessly to see that money was raised to feed the hungry at the food pantry Often, among the things most important to her in these last months was knowing that all of us would continue with our work for The Ecumenical Council and food pantry after she was gone. Betty also recognized the need for a place for people who were alone at the Thanksgiving holiday to have. not only a hot meal, but also the comfort of others around them who were in need of companionship as well. She didn't just organize that effort for 27 years, she rolled up her sleeves and helped to cook and serve it too. During the day she would round up people with cars to deliver meals to shut-ins. Betty never forgot anyone. Another of Betty's special projects was to host the hol- iday gift give away in December for the adopt-a-faxmly program. She loved knowing that the families in need had a happy holiday to look forward to for their children. She would greet and chat with the families at the pick-up area in St. Paul's and we would often spend the better part of the day feeling happy to be in her presence. Betty was a long time member of St. Paul's United Methodist Chancel Choir. Music was very important to her especially as a part of worship and faith. To that end, she helped to organize the Easter Sunday Sunrise Service in the Village Park, always calling prayer for some warm, dry, weather to go with the celebration. Those prayers were answered more often than not. During these last couple of years of illnesses and recu- perations, many of us have had the opportunity to spend time with her and witness what I can only observe is one The opinions of columnists and letter writers are their own. They do not speak for the newspaper. of the great minds of another generation. We would some- times take pizza over for dinner and visit. Believe me, it did more for us than it did for her. Betty was a fountain of remembrances and knowledge that always amazed and often held us enthralled. Just being around all that sweet- ness really rubs off on you. As we have said many times, knowing Betty made us want to be better women and bet- ter people. She had a generosity of spirit and giving, love of her family, frends and the deep spiritual dedication that she had for her church, St. Paul's United Methodist. Betty was a woman of deep faith. This faith was a very important part of her daily life. She truly believed in the innate goodness of humanity and believed that when her time came she would go home to the Lord. I've never encoun- tered anyone so ready to accept whatever path her life was to take. For Betty. it was truly in God's hands. Betty was marmed to her childhood sweetheart. Jack. and adored her three wonderful daughters, Nancy Lauretano, Wendy Zuppio and Betty Tordin as well as. her sons-in-law and her delightful and talented grandchil- dren. I can't think of a better tnbute to her life than to just observe the kindness and devotion that her daughters and family have toward her. They have all been a true source of pride and inspiration to her and her goodness is mir- rored in them. When speaking of them she had an instant and constant smile. Her grandcluldren were a source of great pride as well and all you had to do was ask about them. She would go on at great length on the subject of family. Betty made all of us feel special by remembering personal details and stories about our own families. Memories are the gifts that are left to us when the tangibles of life are no longer within reach. Our memo- ries of Betty are, indeed, a gift. I know that where Betty is there is singing and laughter. We, who were lucky enough to know Betty Lockwood, will miss her every day. The community has lost a great lady and we have lost a dear, dear friend. Dee McDonald Secretary, ELC/Food Pantry Northport Great response TO THE EDITOR: Forget one and two, skip to three and four, and there they were at the door. I am talking about the East Northport Fire Department and their ambulance service. What a great crew! They came so quickly and were so totally professional. They are the best and we are appreciative and grateful. | Jane Golblatt East Northport
