The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Congressman Gibson Visits Grafton Summer Youth Program

By

by Bea Peterson

On Monday afternoon, August 10, U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, representing the 19th District of NY, visited the Grafton Summer Youth Program. On hand to greet him were Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino, County Youth Director Pierce Hoyt, County Summer Feed Coordinator Greg Rogers, Grafton Town Supervisor Frank Higgins and Town Councilwoman Barbara Messenger.

[private]

Congressman Gibson chats with some of the children who attend Grafton’s Summer Youth Program. (Bea Peterson photo)
Congressman Gibson chats with some of the children who attend Grafton’s Summer Youth Program. (Bea Peterson photo)

The Congressman told Summer Program Director Kathy Mason-Wagar it was good to be there as he is a great supporter of the USDA Summer Feed program. He was pleased to be invited to visit with the youngsters and see first hand the affect the program has on the community. “We need this input to bring back to committee to keep the program strong,” he said. He told the youngsters in the Program, “I’m very optimistic about the future of the country when I get to meet young people like you.” The youngsters gave him paper plates they had decorated with pictures and text relating to the Program. He told them he would display the plates in his Kinderhook office.

Helpful And Supportive

Rebecca Gryn told the Congressman just how important the program was to her family. She is undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. “When I’m feeling bad,” she said,”it’s good to know my kids are getting a good breakfast and lunch that I don’t have to try to fix. And I’m happy they have fun activities to do each day instead of being stuck at home with a sick Mom.” She added that the community has been very supportive through her illness.

The Grafton Library, Dyken Pond Environmental Center, the Grafton Fire Department and volunteer groups all contribute time to the Summer Youth Program, in addition to the swimming lessons at Grafton Lakes State Park.

Call 211

Executive Jimino said the United Way has an information data base on the nearest location for individuals that are looking for meals for their children. The information is available by calling 211.

On hand on Monday to spend time with Congressman Chris Gibson at the Grafton Youth Program were (l-r, back row) Frank Higgins, Pierce Hoyt, Congressman Gibson, Sarah, Brianna, Noah, Tracy and Greg Rogers. In front are Miska, Casey, Barbara Messenger, Kathy Jimino, Ariana, Kyle, Hunter, Jack, Elena, Morgan, Isabel, Shawn, Hannah, Nellie and Kathy Mason-Wagar. Photo courtesy of Ridge Harris.
On hand on Monday to spend time with Congressman Chris Gibson at the Grafton Youth Program were (l-r, back row) Frank Higgins, Pierce Hoyt, Congressman Gibson, Sarah, Brianna, Noah, Tracy and Greg Rogers. In front are Miska, Casey, Barbara Messenger, Kathy Jimino, Ariana, Kyle, Hunter, Jack, Elena, Morgan, Isabel, Shawn, Hannah, Nellie and Kathy Mason-Wagar. Photo courtesy of Ridge Harris.

Summer Coordinator Rogers said the County distributes three to five thousand meals a day to city housing projects and summer youth programs. [/private]