submitted by JJ. Johnson-Smith
A new group has formed in the Town of New Lebanon as an offshoot of PACT/Community Caring. The group is called, Stone Soup and will be addressing the needs of the community as a whole and how to reach goals without the aid of government grants which come with strings attached.
Stone Soup will focus on uniting residents to address needed projects and programs within the Town such as keeping the Food Pantry’s shelves filled, setting up a Community Activity Center, reaching out to Seniors and shut-ins, providing activities and volunteer opportunities for youth, for adult education, for local government accountability and awareness, for beautification projects, civic education, etc. Unlike most municipal improvement groups, Stone Soup aims to accomplish these efforts through volunteerism, donations of time, talent and materials, and old fashioned sweat.
Organizer JJ. Johnson-Smith said that the complications and regulations that come with government grants are intrusive and often limit the rights of property owners to use and enjoy their properties as they see fit. Johnson-Smith said, “People see grants as free money, but there is no such thing as free money. There is always a price to paid in the end.” Stone Soup will encourage a return to the once successful methods used by small towns in growing and caring for their own communities through sharing of responsibilities and giving from the heart.
All residents are encouraged to join the group and unite with their neighbors in keeping New Lebanon a rural and self-sufficient community and preserving its historical and agricultural integrity. Interested parties can sign on at the Facebook Page – pactny or by emailing K9Sheps@yahoo.com or by speaking to JJ. Johnson-Smith, Wayne Martin or Scott Larabee.