Lessons of volunteerism

Students learn many important lessons while in school —the three R’s, for starters, and these days so much more. There are courses on technology, art, science, philosophy, environmental studies — we’re pleased to say that the list is too long to delve into with just a few paragraphs to spare.What we hope, however, is that students also learn lessons beyond the scope of what can be taught on a chalkboard or from a textbook. Such life lessons are often taught by very special educators — those who understand the value of passing on that which helps us grow as individuals contributing to the greater good and a more productive and compassionate society.John Roccanova is one such teacher. For years he has been at the North East (Webutuck) Central School District working quietly behind the scenes. He’s organized classes, field trips and various projects; he also happens to head up the school district’s student volunteer program. This year that program has 90 participants in grades seven through 12 (for more on the program, turn to Page A3).As Webutuck High School Principal Ken Sauer said, one reason the program is so successful is because of Mr. Roccanova. “The fact is John’s a guy who really believes in volunteering and instilling in kids the necessity for being a community servant,” Sauer said.He’s absolutely right.Roccanova understands the importance of volunteering, and of giving of one’s time and energy to those in need. Whether that’s to an individual or an organization, it doesn’t matter, as long as the cause is worthy. He’s passing that very important lesson along to some very impressionable young students. It’s as wonderful as it is important that he’s doing so. This is the time when a child begins to set his or her moral compass — as teenagers they are learning how to treat others in a world too often filled with rage and disdain. Our youth need to see there are positive aspects to life, no matter how crazy and chaotic the world may be. They need to be a part of something they can be proud of and connect with others through a shared bond of humanity. By caring for others and giving of themselves, volunteers tap into universal positive energy — and hopefully they’ll see others pass it on as well.If lucky, the most industrious youth may discover a real passion through their volunteer work, a passion that could one day morph into a vocation. What could be better?Kudos to Webutuck for keeping its volunteer program going strong for 15 years. And hats off to Mr. Roccanova, for steering that ship all the while, recruiting whomever he could to take along for the journey.These are the types of programs that make the Webutuck community one to envy. For a school district to endorse a philosophy that being humane and compassionate is as important as acing a test is really something special. It’s not to say that traditional studies don’t have their place, because they do. We simply hope lessons as important as volunteerism will be remembered long after students have forgotten random factoids once memorized for those darn pop quizzes.

Latest News

Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at her home. She was the beloved wife of George R. DelPrete for 62 years.

Mrs. DelPrete was born in Burlington, Iowa, on May 31, 1941, daughter of the late George and Judy Meyers. She lived in California for a time and had been a Lakeville resident for the past 55 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shirley Anne Wilbur Perotti

SHARON — Shirley Anne Wilbur Perotti, daughter of George and Mabel (Johnson) Wilbur, the first girl born into the Wilbur family in 65 years, passed away on Oct. 5, 2025, at Noble Horizons.

Shirley was born on Aug. 19, 1948 at Sharon Hospital.

Keep ReadingShow less
Veronica Lee Silvernale

MILLERTON — Veronica Lee “Ronnie” Silvernale, 78, a lifelong area resident died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at Sharon Hospital in Sharon, Connecticut. Mrs. Silvernale had a long career at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, where she served as a respected team leader in housekeeping and laundry services for over eighteen years. She retired in 2012.

Born Oct. 19, 1946, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Bradley C. and Sophie (Debrew) Hosier, Sr. Following her graduation from high school and attending college, she married Jack Gerard Silvernale on June 15, 1983 in Millerton, New York. Their marriage lasted thirty-five years until Jack’s passing on July 28, 2018.

Keep ReadingShow less
Crescendo launches 22nd season
Christine Gevert, artistic director of Crescendo
Steve Potter

Christine Gevert, Crescendo’s artistic director, is delighted to announce the start of this musical organization’s 22nd year of operation. The group’s first concert of the season will feature Latin American early chamber music, performed Oct. 18 and 19, on indigenous Andean instruments as well as the virginal, flute, viola and percussion. Gevert will perform at the keyboard, joined by Chilean musicians Gonzalo Cortes and Carlos Boltes on wind and stringed instruments.

This concert, the first in a series of nine, will be held on Oct. 18 at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, and Oct. 19 at Trinity Church in Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less