CAP Motorcycle Run for HOPE Will Take Place on Sunday

Busy times are taking place at the Putnam Community Action Program (CAP) this summer.

On Sunday, CAP’s 6th annual Motorcycle Run for HOPE kicks off at the Highlands Shopping Center on Route 312 and Independence Way in Southeast proceeding along a 71-mile route winding through Putnam and sections of southern Dutchess County before concluding at Sycamore Park in Mahopac.

CAP Executive Director Judy Callahan said a safety demonstration is planned for Sunday by Christine Firehock, a motorcycle daredevil who teaches the right and wrong way of operating a two-wheeler through her school in Dutchess County.

The cost of participating in the run is $25 per rider or $35 for a cycle containing an operator and passenger.

Registration gets underway at 9:30am with the escorted ride kicking off at 11:00.

During an interview with Callahan last week, the director talked about her agency’s summer lunch program that is geared towards mothers and children.

Callahan said CAP recognizes that school lunch programs for children do not operate during the summer months: “My staff and I decided to expand our Soup Kitchen to reach these children and their moms. Every Tuesday and Thursday healthy lunches are offered at the Grace Assembly of God Church on Park Street in Brewster.”

The program continues through August 26.

Putnam Community Action Program’s Summer Youth Employment Program has been partially restored.

Callahan said, “Although it is less than 50 percent of last year’s funding, we were able to place eight young people to work for the summer at local businesses affording them an opportunity to gain experience for entry level job preparation.”

CAP will be hosting a Budgeting and Financial Planning workshop Aug. 5 at the Cornerstone Park in Carmel beginning at 7pm.

Bill Hammond, a volunteer with the United Way of Putnam and Westchester will lecture. Callahan has asked those planning to attend to contact her office at 278-8021 and register.

Putnam CAP will be participating in a statewide community action initiative this fall entitled “Everybody’s Baby Shower.” Callahan explained that her office would be accepting donations of new baby items starting in September that will be distributed to young families throughout the county.

CAP will be joined by Birthright, the Putnam Women’s Center in Mahopac, and the Putnam Health Department’s WIC program in the initiative to distribute the donated items. “Everybody’s Baby Shower” will be registered at Babies ‘R Us to facilitate the shopping.

— Eric Gross