PATTERSON, NY - (10/11/2018) The Rotary Club of Patterson held it’s 4th Annual Touch-a-Truck for Heroes on Saturday, October 8th at Thunder Ridge Ski Area. Little kids, big kids, and kids-at-heart showed up to view, climb on, and honk the horns of big trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles, and more!

“We’re grateful to Thunder Ridge Ski Area for allowing us to hold the event here for the third year in a row,” said Jason Maxwell, Patterson Rotarian/Touch-a-Truck Committee Chair. “Patterson Rotary’s goal is to provide a real ‘hands-on’ event for all members of the family and to help local veterans organizations raise awareness of all the good they do for local veterans and serving men and women. It’s a great day for families and for the community.” 

Touch-a-Truck for Heroes provided free admission for all who attended, however donations were graciously accepted from kind and generous attendees. All proceeds collected will go directly to support local veterans projects. Patterson Rotarian, Penny Byron, brought the idea to the Club in 2015. “We wanted to host a community event specifically to raise funds for Veteran projects and programs in our area as a 'Thank You' for the freedoms we have because of their service.”

The veterans came out to show their support as well. PFC Joseph P. Dwyer - VET 2 VET of Putnam County, Brewster High School Semper Fi Club, My Brother Vinny, and the New York Riders were on-hand to meet attendees and share about their valuable organizations.

Patterson, Brewster and Pawling Fire Departments were onsite with their bright red trucks ready for action, and conducted a very realistic jaws-of-life car crash rescue demonstration for the crowd. Tremson Land Clearing also wowed onlookers with the skidder demonstration as the giant truck wielded its massive pincers to lift up a pile of fallen trees and moved them (and a car!) across the Thunder Ridge Ski Area field.

Event sponsor, Titan Concrete, brought their cement mixer and provided free face painting for very excited young attendees. The “Amaxx Children’s Construction Zone Play Area” was back again this year, with lots of toy trucks and sand to dig and doze.

Attending for the first time, was the Clock Tower Grill food truck which was a hit for hungry truck fans. Thanks to Brewster Pastry for providing the fresh, deliciously fragrant apple cider donuts and French Baguette Hot Dogs.

The Rotary Club of Patterson offers congratulations to all the winners of the toy raffles and 50/50 Draw and they look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s Touch-a-Truck for Heroes. 

For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/touchatruckforheroes/ or www.PattersonRotary.org. 

 

Several weeks ago, Deacon Charlie Germain made a presentation to the Patterson Rotary about the need to raise $30,000 to keep the Brewster Emergency Shelter open for the coming winter.  

 

The Brewster Emergency Shelter Partnership (BESP) was formed by the congregations of the Brewster community to provide a safe sleeping environment during the coldest winter months for those that are in need.  The congregations provide temporary sleeping sites for a week, evening meals, overnight hosts and other services. The sites include cots, bedding, sanitary supplies and winter clothing when available.  A paid overnight supervisor is in charge and spends the night with the guests to provide a comfortable and safe environment.

 

"Keeping the doors open this winter has been our primary focus," deacon Germain told the Rotary.  "We need to raise money from interested parties who want to help us and help people in need."

 

The BESP is modest and gets by on minimal costs by relying on volunteers when possible and donations.  

 

"It is difficult to find a group with more purpose and need then BESP," responded Carrie Hernandez, who is the current Patterson Rotary president.  The Rotary board responded quickly to their request with a donation of $5,000.   "We knew we had to get them something quick so they could make plans to keep their doors open," she continued.

 

Norma Pereira, a BESP board member was on hand to receive the check and expressed her sincere appreciation for the donation.  

 

The donation, coming days before their Blues and BBQ fundraiser, made the members proud.  Rotary member Dan Horkan said it best - "I think we can all agree, that causes such as BESP are exactly why we work so hard to raise the money."

 

If you would like to find out more about the Brewster Emergency Service Partnership or provide a donation, contact them at 914-482-4656. They have a Facebook page at the link below