A Community Conversation on Why Local Matters
by Cindy Goldstein -
The October 13th meeting of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit was titled “Why Local Matters: A Conversation with Civic Leaders on Making a Difference” and was attended by approximately 50 people. Three panelists answered questions from moderator Reverend Lisa Mason of St. John’s Church at the Nautilus Diner.
· Joe Liberti, Founder and Director of Original Civic Research & Action (OCRA), Mamaroneck High School
· Tina Sadarangani, Board Chair, Larchmont Friends of the Family (FOF)
· Gloria Spedafino-Golle, Executive Director, At Home on the Sound (AHOTS)
Introduction - What They Do
Liberti explained that OCRA started in 2017 as student-centered, group-based work about making positive change. Spedafino-Golle described AHOTS as helping seniors (age 60 and above) remain in their homes and live independent lives as they age since 1995. It creates a space to come together, battle isolation, and counts seniors as an integral part of our community. Sadarangani stated that for almost 30 years, FOF has helped families struggling with illness with both financial and emotional support as they heal and move forward.
Question 1: What would you do if you had access to endless resources?
For Spedafino-Golle, endless resources for AHOTS would allow more outreach to seniors in the community, more programs to help with transportation and more opportunities for social connection. Sadarangani explained that FOF can help anyone, not just Larchmont residents, and with unlimited resources, she would ensure families have nothing to worry about except getting better. Liberti would like every student to have the chance to participate in an OCRA-type program that engages in project-based work with wise community mentors.
Question 2: What are the greatest challenges you face?
Liberti lamented that he had only 24 hours a day to do all the work he wanted. Sadarangani said FOF work must remain confidential to protect the anonymity of those they help, which makes it hard to reach people in need. Spedafino-Golle said there can be a stigma attached to aging and she networks in the community to let people know AHOTS is there to help maintain vitality and connection.
Question 3: What motivates you to get up each day and do the work?
Liberti said, unequivocally, “the students,” and he wants to do his best to guide and support them. Spedafino-Golle cited the people – AHOTS members – and wants to give them the best experience. Sadarangani identified the children and families FOF helps – and wanting them to thrive keeps her motivated.
Question 4: What is unknown about what you are doing?
Sadarangani said the community perception is that help isn’t needed because people assume everyone’s wealthy, so the need isn’t obvious until a tragedy happens. Some people just want a meal delivered, but others have significant health challenges and “struggle to keep the lights on.” Liberti mentioned that working in public can be stressful, with mistakes visible outside the classroom. Judging students’ work at a professional level is a “high-wire act,” but the risk can bring a greater reward. Spedafino-Golle pointed out the growing need as the population ages and that most people don’t understand the isolation that comes without peers and local family.
Question 5: What advice would you give someone who wants to start a new group?
Sadarangani said, “Forget what you know,” and get people in a room, ask them, and listen. Liberti said he tells his students that people have two ears and only one mouth for a reason. He also advises them to set aside preconceptions, listen and start small. OCRA started with 25 students and now has approximately 300 student participants. Spedafino-Golle said, “Keep it focused,” and move toward your goals.
Question 6: How do you motivate those you work with?
Spedafino-Golle said the AHOTS volunteers are the backbone and keep everyone going. She brings them together whenever she can and shares their success stories. Sadarangani stresses “storytelling” and the understanding that many volunteers empathize with those they help and that it could happen to them too. Liberti said he has an advantage working with young people who are motivated, idealistic and energetic. Once they dig into their topic, it becomes a “virtuous feedback loop” of accomplishment.
Moving Forward
The meeting ended with brief introductions from representatives of other groups, including the League of Women Voters, the Lions Club, Fuller Center, Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force, and LMC Media. Mamaroneck Town Justice Ron Meister asked whether any niche in the community wasn’t being served. Answers ranged from natural disaster assistance and those displaced by fire or flood, affordable housing, teenage drunk driving and family violence. Perhaps conversations like this one will spark even more community action.
The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit, a 501c(3) charitable organization, is a volunteer community group that works to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among government, schools, non-profits, businesses and citizens to promote positive change for our tri-municipal community. They hold monthly public meetings to address issues of local concern. For more information, go to localsummitlm.org.
