CHESTER – The Jewish community spread cheer and gratitude – along with a live concert – in a festive “Honk for Heroes” car parade to honor health care workers, first responders and seniors.
Dozens of cars participated in this unity and community event organized by Chabad of Orange County, led by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston. The parade, celebrating the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer, incorporated three themes and stops: “Cookies for Cops” in Chester, “Simcha for Seniors” in Goshen and “Chocolates for Caregivers” in Middletown. “The Community love and support was palpable,” said Dr. Ira Kanis, Chabad’s Gabbai, who helped arrange the event.
“Cookies for Cops”
The parade began at Chabad’s Center in Chester. Participants decked their cars with signs of thanks. Each vehicle received a “parade bag” full of treats, bubbles and pom poms for cheering from Chabad.
A presentation of “Cookies for Cops” was made by Chabad to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, thanking County Executive Steve Neuhaus and the Sheriff Department for all they do for the community. Vehicles honked their thanks. Brady Crowe, 12, of Washingtonville presented handmade cards of appreciation.
“Simcha for Seniors”
Led by a Sheriff’s car, the parade headed to The W Senior Living in Goshen to bring “simcha” (joy) to the residents and staff.
Residents watched and clapped from their windows to a live concert by Duvy Burston, eldest son of Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston. Chabad gifted the staff and residents with packaged baked goods. Beautiful art pieces on canvas were given to residents to lift their spirits. Aiden Axler, 14, of Highland Mills, worked on several art pieces together with his grandmother, Bonnie McCarthy. Art was also contributed by Hannah Drillings, 17, of Chester, Ruby Eberly, 10, of Monroe and Sam and Alex Silverman, ages 12 and 11, of Tuxedo. “Chabad usually brings holiday cheer to the residents here,” Rabbi Pesach explained. “But given the restrictions of the pandemic, we still wanted to show you that we are thinking of you and are here for you,” he told the residents.
“Chocolates for Caregivers”
The parade continued to Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. Liaising with Gabriel Morrow of the Pastoral Care Office and Ann Diagostino, director of Patient Services, the parade was greeted by a large group of healthcare workers. Duvy Burston performed another live concert, with many dancing and singing along.
“Chabad Cares visits hospital patients here on a weekly basis,” Chana Burston announced. “Today we are here to visit and thank the dedicated front-line workers for your heroic dedication during this crisis.”
Chabad expressed the community’s thanks by presenting “Chocolates for Caregivers:” hundreds of chocolate bars, goodies and snacks to the staff. Community member Sherri Eccelston, owner and operator of Sherri’s Heirloom Soaps, gifted the staff with hand-made soaps and hand sanitizer she made and donated to them.
The Honk for Heroes Parade was made possible thanks to the Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the community participants as well as the following sponsors and volunteers: Duvy Burston, Crowe Family, Duso Foods and Sandy Richmond, Eberly Family, Sherri Eccelston, Brigitte Glasser, Betty Grossman, Marty and Esther Ingber, Kalkstein Family, Ira & Karen Kanis, Sheryl Kerewski, Steve and Anita Reich and the Rimler Family.
