Groups gather to connect over community needs

BREWSTER – More than two dozen representatives from cities, churches, and community service organizations came together at the American Legion Columbia Post 97 in Brewster on Jan. 30 to discuss community needs and the resources to meet them in the Quad city coverage area.

The gathering was organized by Navy veteran and Legion member Edward Gossett and facilitated by Post Commander Greg Wagg. The goal of the meeting was to address food banks and related groups in the Bridgeport, Brewster, and Pateros areas and create a community list of those who can help. The primary aim, as stated in the meeting flyer, is to ensure that “no one falls through the cracks by directing individuals, school counselors, and veterans requesting help to the right resources.”

Gossett is the Legion’s Public Outreach Coordinator, Financial Officer, and a 22-year retired Navy submarine missile specialist. He now works with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) site in Brewster, one in a network of 10 National Radio Astronomy sites spread across nearly 5,500 miles and controlled remotely from the Array Operations Center in Socorro, NM.

Wagg opened the meeting by explaining some of the functions the Legion performs, including Memorial Day observances at six area cemeteries, Honor Guard appearances, and placement of the large flags at Locust Grove Cemetery. He added that Legion numbers are declining and urged veterans or family members of veterans to consider joining the Post.

Attendees were encouraged to complete a contact form with their particular services and specialties, so others would know who to call for what services at which location. Wagg suggested those attending take the opportunity to reach out to each other to establish personal acquaintances.

“We are just trying to coordinate all of our resources,” said Wagg. “Our three main areas of interest are clothes, food, and toys.”

Gossett, who was unable to attend the meeting due to emergency work commitments, told the Quad later that some groups were already taking action.

“The churches have already started something,” said Gossett, “They’re getting a group together to make monthly feminine hygiene kits. Many of the women won’t go to school because of that because they can’t afford to buy the products.”

Gossett said he hopes to host the community meetings at strategic times a year, perhaps in the spring or fall, to discuss needs for the coming winter, again before the summer fire season, and after Christmas to see where everybody is.

“The number one comment people emailed and texted me before the meeting was that nobody talks to each other anymore,” Gossett said.

He intends to change that.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media