by Bea Peterson
Carnival ride lights illuminated the Town of Hoosick Athletic Field Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week. Unfortunately for the teenagers, most of the rides were geared for the younger set. Adults who took the time to browse around found great musical entertainment by the Champagne Jam Country & Western band, an antique car show and a dozen or more vendors of jewelry, clothing and assorted handcrafts. There was plenty to eat and Boy Scouts to visit while they camped out. Skilled belly dancer Fiona Slattery was an added attraction near the food concessions.
The event, organized by the San Damiano Family Support Services and sponsored by several local businesses, was held in response to requests made to San Damiano leader Joe DiFusco. DiFusco organized such an event with the Knights of Columbus several years ago in Hoosick Falls. Then for two years he organized even bigger events at the former Green Mountain Race Track. Unfortunately, the vendor that had a large variety of carnival rides for all ages no longer visits this area. Thus, the smaller event was undertaken this year.
What Is San Damiano
According to information on the internet, the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) is a religious order for lay men and women established by Saint Francis of Assisi. San Damiano is the name of the church where God spoke to Saint Francis and where Saint Clare and her community of Poor Clare nuns later lived in the early thirteenth
century. The Secular Franciscan Order is open to all practicing Catholics. “Joining a community of Secular Franciscans requires a period of discernment lasting approximately two and one-half years. This time of discernment consists of a period of orientation, a period of inquiry and a period of candidacy. A formal profession of vows marks the members’ entrance into the Secular Franciscan Order.” Members of the order wear habits, by choice, for special religious occasions.
Joe and Wanda DiFusco joined the order more than 20 years ago when they were living in New Britain, CT. They organized a shelter for the homeless and unwed mothers there. However, they found financing such a place often difficult. The couple decided to find their own way of doing things, and they moved to Petersburgh where they established San Damiano Family Support Services at 414 Potter Hill Road. Their little group is growing. They have their own chapel that is open to the public. They offer used medical equipment, such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, bath seats, etc. to individuals who don’t have insurance coverage or cannot afford to pay for such items. Wanda said their emergency food pantry serves people in Petersburgh, Berlin, Stephentown and sometimes Troy. “We try to help where there is a need,” she said. “We’re flexible. Folks can call and set up an appointment to come and get food in an emergency, any time.” Their regular hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm.
For more information contact Joe or Wanda DiFusco at 658-3530.
