By LISA BONTEMPS
Special to Pascack Press
IT’S NEVER BEEN TRUER to say that Westwood is a community of volunteers. From support of front-line healthcare workers and first responders, to emergency vehicle-led car parades; from shopping for neighbors to financial contributions for local non-profits — every day we are lucky to be able to celebrate Westwood and all its heroes who meaningfully contribute in ways small and large.
As a grant-funded initiative of Meals on Wheels North Jersey, Westwood for All Ages has been working to shine a light on the great work being done to support one of our most vulnerable populations: our older residents.
The Thomas J. Riley Center and Westwood House staff have worked tirelessly to source food for the residents of Westwood House and Hillsdale House who cannot shop for themselves during this time of social distancing.
Local churches have seamlessly transitioned to virtual outreach and online services, a welcome source of solace for those seeking comfort in a confusing time.
The Westwood Library has worked to provide many online services and seminars.
The Department of Public Works and Recreation Department have continued to keep parks open and useful for anyone who can safely leave home for a pleasant walk or work out.
And yes, Westwood for All Ages has even waded into the Zoom meet-up space with Social Connection Happy Hours that invite local luminaries to inform and entertain residents.
What is remarkable is not only how these institutions have pivoted to a new, temporary reality, but also how many newer groups have taken on the call to make this time more bearable, memorable or even celebratory.
on Saturday, April 18
Using #WeAreWestwood, the Celebrate Westwood team is accepting nominations to feature locals who have gone above and beyond during this crisis.
One such profile is that of Roei Mendez. Along with her husband, David, Roei has founded CONNEX4NPO, a brand new non-profit focused on food rescue and distribution. Roei and David are not new to community service and volunteerism. A short review of their facebook.com/connex4npo page illustrates their dedication to helping struggling community members.
This new venture, born out of necessity, is partnering with Tree House Cares and Trader Joeʼs to rescue produce, baked goods and meats that can be distributed to those struggling to get groceries. They welcome non-profits, churches, remote communities, individuals and families in need to partake in this lovingly coordinated food share formerly held at Roei and Davidʼs home, but now housed more centrally at Parkside Community Church each Saturday afternoon.
The church, at 545 Fourth Ave., has welcomed this partnership while they are not able to offer their usual monthly community dinners.
Westwood for All Ages is grateful for CONNEX4NPOʼs work in the feeding of our most vulnerable older citizens. On their behalf and for the benefit of our older residents, we need volunteers to assist in packing CONNEX4NPO care packages and delivering them to older residents in our area.
On the afternoon of Saturday, April 18, more than 50 residents were able to supplement their pantries with rescued fresh foods. We are hoping that through our communityʼs continued generosity of time and labor, CONNEX4NPO can grow their outreach and help keep anyone in need #SafeAtHome.
To volunteer for the CONNEX4NPO food distribution at Parkside, please contact ww4allages@gmail.com. To contribute to CONNEX4NPOʼs mission with financial support, please send by Zelle to connex4npo@gmail.com or contact by email.
Lisa Bontemps is the program manager of Westwood for All Ages, an initiative to make Westwood an age-friendly community—a place where all people can live well and thrive even as they age.