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New leader joins Christ Episcopal church in Babylon Rev. Catherine Wieczorek named Interim Pastor-in-Charge
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Veterans, community members and public officials at Wade-Burns VFW Post ribbon cutting.
Lindenhurst VFW reopens
Rebuilt following devastating fire five years ago By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com Five years after a devastating fire destroyed the Wade-Burns VFW Post in Lindenhurst, members, their families, officials and residents gathered to cut the ribbon on the newly rebuilt Post. “Welcome home,” said Post Commander Jim Kelly, Vietnam war veteran, as he cut the ribbon, his voice breaking up in emotion. “It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to achieve this final victory. For many of us this is our home away from home and we can’t thank everyone enough who had a part in helping us rebuild it.” The fire broke out at 10:30 a.m. September 4, 2019, causing extensive damage to the recently renovated building. Four firefighters were injured battling the blaze; historical materials were destroyed and the building was uninhabitable. “Rebuilding was a no brainer,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer. “We had to get this (building) back into service and the first people to step up were the men and women of labor.”
“There is no question that without the support of the Supervisor and the town board, this project would never have been completed,” said Lindenhurst Village Mayor Michael Lavorata. “While the Village was able to provide $40,000 toward rebuilding the Post, the town’s ARPA money is what made it happen.” The Town of Babylon got the project underway by setting aside funds from its American Recovery Plan Act money to complete the restorations. In addition, labor unions including members of Local 3 Electricians, members of the union’s Rolling Thunder motorcycle club, carpenters and others donated their time to work on the project, putting in new plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. The building has a new roof, new floors and walls, completely renovated bathrooms and is now a place where historical memorabilia and documents recounting the sacrifices of America’s veterans are proudly displayed. In the end the Post, which also provides space for community groups and residents to host events, is open CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
The Rev. Catherine Wiec- and serving Christ in all perzorek has joined Christ Episco- sons. “ She also provided leaderpal Church in Babylon as its new Interim Priest-In-Charge. ship in worship, pastoral care, Previously, she served as and outreach. Mother Catherine also Curate for St. served as DeaJohn’s of Latcon at Grace tingtown, Episcopal where she Church in established a Brooklyn strong program Heights from of Christian 2019-2020. At formation that Grace Church, included educashe developed tional opportua Confirmanities for youth tion Class curand adults, riculum, coBible studies, facilitated the seasonal prayer Sacred Ground and devotional antiracism groups, and program, and training for created an various woremergency aid ship ministries. program for “ I a m economically blessed to have disadvantaged been called to individuals. Christ EpiscoREV. CATHERINE M o t h e r pal Church to WIECZOREK Catherine serve as Interearned her im Priest in m a s t e r ’ s Charge!” said degree of Mother Catherine, also known as Mo.Ca. Divinity from The General “This is a place filled with big- Theological Seminary in 2020, hearted, hard-working folks as well as a Certificate in Spiriwho are dedicated to seeking CONTINUED ON PAGE 9