This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/30/2020 09:41 AMOn Saturday, Oct. 3, illuminated water lanterns with messages of hope and inspiration will adorn the pond at Plattwood Park in Deep River.
Now in its second year, the Water Lantern Celebration is a fundraiser for the non-profit A Little Compassion, Inc. (ALC). ALC operates The Nest Coffee House in Deep River, which employs young adults with autism or other intellectual or developmental abilities.
“[It’s] an uplifting event to ‘light the way’ for people of all abilities,” said ALC Executive Director Jane Moen. “Now, more than ever, our community is looking for the good and for ways to come together with a common purpose.”
The organization is making water lanterns available for purchase either online or at The Nest in Deep River and is asking participants to hand decorate them. (They are available until the day of the event while supplies last.)
“[Participants] are encouraged to dedicate their lantern to a loved one, pay tribute to someone, write poems, draw pictures or write affirming statements on their lantern,” said Moen.
The lanterns, which are made of wood and rice paper, will be illuminated by an LED candle and float on the pond during the event, which will be livestreamed this year from 6 to 8 p.m. Sarah Cody, a reporter and anchor for WTNH 8, will host the virtual celebration.
The program will include interviews with health and science professionals such as Dr. Roger Jou, an instructor in the Yale Child Study Center who specializes in autism spectrum disorders, and Dr. Gilbert L’Italien, an epidemiologist with Biohaven Pharmaceuticals.
Other interviews will be with ALC’s founding donor, Steve Little, The Nest employees and Fundraising Co-Chair Charlene Voyce and her daughter Emma, an employee of The Nest and an artist.
The evening will also feature musical performances and other talents of employees from The Nest, including bleach art, film making, karate, and poetry.
“We will show all who take part the talents and abilities these young adults bring to our community,” said Moen.
Last year, the Water Lantern Celebration raised $14,000 to support ALC and The Nest. The funds from this year’s event will go toward the organization’s mission to provide work experiences for young adults with disabilities.
The monies will also support programming for “social gatherings to address the isolation and loneliness that COVID has amplified as well as programs to increase the public’s understanding and acceptance of the young adults of all abilities in our midst,” said Moen.
In total, The Nest employs 20 young adults including three interns from the Region 4 School District and three participants in the New Employment Skills Training (NEST) program. These programs are offered free-of-charge to participants.
Although The Nest reopened in early June after temporarily closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization is facing some financial challenges.
“Like most small businesses, we have seen a reduction in sales at our shop,” said Moen. “We have also had to incur increased expenses due to the cost of [personal protective equipment] and rising food and supplies costs.”
Other challenges posed by the safety protocols of the pandemic have been resolved by moving “social gatherings for young adults with disabilities all to an online format and expand[ing] our offerings to meet the needs and interests of our participants during COVID,” Moen said.
These social gatherings are offered free-of-charge to participants during the pandemic.
Chester resident Jill Merola has two children that participate in two of The Nest’s programs: writer’s workshop and anime night.
Merola said the Water Lantern Celebration is a fun event for the greater community.
“I like how they continue forward with what they wanted to become tradition,” said Merola. “Last year was so nice and people really enjoyed it. They had a lot of fun.”
More information on the Water Lantern Celebration is available at www.thenestcoffeehouse.org.