Free Drive-Thru Veterans Appreciation Pasta Dinner

Who: NYS Senator Sue Serino; Mental Health America of Dutchess County Vet2Vet Program 

What: Free Drive-Thru Appreciation Pasta Dinners for Local Veterans 

When and Where: 

Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the Knights of Columbus, 339 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533; Drive-thru times are between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (RSVP Deadline September 30, 2020); 

Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the Poughkeepsie Elks Lodge, 29 Overocker Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603; Drive-thru times are between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (RSVP Deadline October 14, 2020).

Senator Sue Serino and the Mental Health America of Dutchess County Vet2Vet Program are pleased to announce that the popular ‘Veterans Appreciation Dinners’ they host annually will be turned into a “Drive-Thru” event this year to ensure local veterans can safely receive a great meal and important information on community resources.

“There are never enough ways for us to fully express our thanks to our veterans for their service to our country and our community, but these annual dinners are a small way to remind them that they always have a grateful, supportive community behind them,” said Senator Sue Serino. “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to adapt, evolve and get a little creative as we find new ways to connect. While this year’s events may look a little different, it was important to us to continue this tradition to ensure we’re doing all we can to show our appreciation, reach our veterans and connect them with one another and with critical resources.”

Anthony Kavouras, Program Manager of MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet said, “We here at MHA of Dutchess Veterans Programs want to thank Senator Sue Serino for partnering with us to host another wonderful pasta dinner for the local Veterans in our community. Senator Serino has been exceptional with her dedication to helping Veterans in the area and we appreciate all of the support that she has given. Organizations like our Vet2Vet, HERO, VET-TAP and HVVA depend on the support of local leaders who aid us in providing vital services for our local Veterans. Senator Serino has always supported our local Veterans and these pasta dinners are just a small part of her support.”

As always, these events are free to Dutchess County veterans and one guest. 

The event serves as one of the many ways for local veterans to get additional information on the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program (Vet2Vet). The program is one that’s run specifically for veterans, by veterans, and provides non-clinical services for vets suffering from PTSD, suicidal thoughts, TBI, depression, addiction or other mental health challenges. In Dutchess County, contact Anthony Kavouras at (845) 473-2500 ext. 1364 or visit mhadutchess.org/vet2vet. This program is open to any Dutchess County Veteran and referrals are not required. For more information on this program, click here.

RSVPs are required for these events and local veterans should call Senator Serino’s District Office at 845-229-0106 to reserve their meals today. Individuals are asked to RSVP by September 30^th for the October 4^th dinner and by October 14^th for the October 18^th event. A designated time to arrive at the dinners will be provided upon RSVP to ensure a safe flow of traffic during the event. 

For more information, please call Senator Serino’s District Office.