Schoharie Area Long Term is among those sponsoring "Stories of Hurricane Irene," part of a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Reflection on Service, Monday, January 20, in the social hall of the Middleburgh Reformed Church.
Also taking part in the day-long event will be the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York Folklore Society, and AmeriCorps VISTA.
Local residents and volunteers are invited to take part by sharing their stories of the storm, its impact on the community, and recovery efforts.
Pre-registration is required.
The day will run from 10am-4pm and will begin with a workshop focused on the art of storytelling and collecting stories by the New York Folklore Society, which exists to preserve and promote the state's unique living heritage.
Lunch at noon will feature Congressman Chris Gibson speaking on the impact and importance of volunteerism following natural disasters.
Afterwards, volunteers, residents, community leaders, and AmeriCorps VISTA members will participate in roundtable discussions about their experiences in Schoharie.
Organizers hope that over the next year, those who weathered the storm will begin to tell and record their stories.
They will also be listed by name on the New York Folklore Society website, which will broadcast their recorded stories as well.
Two additional storytelling and story-gathering sessions will follow in the spring.
Volunteers and residents must register to participate by calling the SALT office at 702-5017 or online at saltrecovery.org/mlk.
All participants will receive lunch and a t-shirt commemorating the day.
The Middleburgh Reformed Church is located at 178 River Street.