Topic: Soup Kitchen Struggles Continue- Meeting Sept 30th Chicopee Boys Club Meadow St.

Dear Friends, As you know there has been an ongoing struggle for the Chicopee Soup Kitchen. They have been evicted from their current location and are preparing to build a new site on Meadow St propery that was graciously donated by Callaway. Unfortunately it has met with much opposition from their neighbors. The "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY's) mentality has reared its ugly head and is causing much grief. In these hard economic times, we must rally support for those services that are needed in our communities which provided the basics of life for its marginalized residents. Here is something we have received from a member of the board of Lorraine's Soup Kitchen and parishioner of St. Rose: There is a hearing called for by the Mayor this coming Tuesday at the Chicopee Boys Club on Meadow St. at 6:30.....He is asking for a physical show of support as he fears that the NIMBY supporters will flood the hearing with their supporters. It is something about the location possibly being in a "flood plain" zone. That's very interesting. The river is about a mile west of the Meadow St. location and the site is on the east side of the neighborhood in question." As human beings and more importantly as Christians we cannot stand idly by and let this much needed service be driven out of our city by callous hearts. Having worked the kitchen on many occaisions I can attest to the number of large families with young children who grace our doorstep in need of help. It would be a travesty if this were not available and these children went without. In 2007 Lorraine's Soup Kitchen provided over 30,000 evening meals to the community. They hold a Christmas dinner party every year for children of underprivileged families and provide gifts and clothing. They also provide a free health clinic with nursing services once a month. Where will this come from if they cannot build a new facility? What will happen to the many people who rely on these services? Many local business people, and Chicopee residents are rolling up their sleeves to provide free labor, construction, electrical, administrative, plumbling, architectural and others to sustain the soup kitchen services. Here is the part you can do. I urge you to come to the meeting and show your support for this effort. Make your voice heard on this vital issue. Please forward this to as many as possible and encourage their attendance. The meeting was not publicized so many do not know it will take place. Too often we send insignificant jokes, pictures and trivial things through email. Make this email count. Feel free to forward my letter, copy and past what you need. You have my permission. Also feel free to email the mayor direct and voice your concerns. mbissonnette@chicopeema.gov Blessings and all good things..... Carol

thanks!  You cannot even imagine the kind of hassle they are getting. We need to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Thanks to all who showed up last night at Lorraine's Soup Kitchen meeting. It was great to see so many Catholics I recognized there for support.  Thanks to Fr. Bill Tourigny (of St. Rose), the only priest in the ten Catholic churches of Chicopee to attend. It may very well be he was the only religious leader of any denomination there but I can't be sure.  I was proud of my parish family for showing up in such great numbers - there were about fifty from St. Rose that I saw there, including Sr. Fran, the pastoral minister, Sr. Mary (friend of St. Rose and the soup kitchen). Way to go St. Rose pastoral team for being truly pastoral.  I did recognize some friends of the kitchen from St. Mary's and Nativity, St. Pat's etc.  It is great to see the Catholics take the time for important issues.  KUDOS ALL!