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community
And They Carried On...
The Old Guard of Westchester
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A social organization counting a membership of about 100 retired and semiretired men who are committed to enriching their lives and the lives of others, The Old Guard of Westchester has been active here for 67 years and is involved in a number of volunteer service efforts including A Day of Service, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and 9/11, bell ringing for the Salvation Army Christmas Drive, and food pantry support, to name a few.
When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, along with the rest of the country and much of the world, a drastically new way of holding weekly meetings was in order. The Old Guard effected a quick changeover to communicating via Zoom. As members learned how to use the online platform to check in with one another, the organization’s traditional group camaraderie continued, with the sharing of significant life events, milestone birthdays and anniversaries – all helpful in overcoming the isolation brought about
by the pandemic.
Old Guard board member and leader of their photography group, Stephen Loewengart says, "Retirement is well spent when filled with possibility and exploration as it leads to new avenues of personal growth. The best results happen when the experiences and accompanying satisfactions flourish by being shared with others."
Today, The Old Guard of Westchester is working to safely restore leisure and charitable activities that had been put on hold. Members participating in photography, bowling, golfing, lawn bowling, hiking and current events discussions have met on a limited basis, as the organization looks to reinstate lunch gatherings following the meetings and restore bridge games for its card players.
The Old Guard expects to return soon to community service activities for the food pantry, Salvation Army bell ringing, and its reading buddies program (above photo). The membership is looking forward to bringing back their coffee social hours, annual barbecue and the semiformal dinner dance (photo this page).
For more information about joining The Old Guard, visit oldguardofwestchester.org or email membership@oldguardofwestchester.org
