The new year is just a couple of days away, and we have such high hopes for a brighter year ahead. Dealing with our own losses has been made so much more difficult with the pandemic, as fears have been very real with Covid 19 impacting our communities, our friends, our work colleagues and for so many of us, our own families. It has meant the loss of so many lives and that is the most profoundly sorrowful tragedy of all. It has brought countless families to their knees with devastating deaths, coronavirus complications, and the stress of additional losses; losses of jobs, shutdowns of businesses that can't withstand the heavy financial burdens, layoffs and all the rest. Children - along with their parents - are facing debilitating setbacks with school closures and the restrictive environment of remote teaching. This nation and our own communities continue to struggle to stay afloat, to stay connected and to maintain something close to economic and emotional stability.

In light of all of this, and the continued - and deeply unfortunate - restrictions, we are still unable to safely meet in person for our first-Thursday-of-the-month meetings. Please take good care of yourselves in the best ways that you know how. Stay connected to the people who have shown the most care and concern for your circumstances. We are holding Zoom meetings for those who are interested, so please contact me at dawncrista@gmail.com if you'd like to participate in a meeting remotely, such as our Zoom. Also, if you'd like me to call you, either email me at the above address, or leave a detailed message on our chapter phone line. (914) 381-3389. I will be sure to return your call so that we may talk.

Warmly,

Dawn Moriwaki - Chapter Leader (and Kaitlyn's Mom) ❤️