JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PELHAM’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY LEADERS’ ROUND TABLE MAKES CONNECTIONS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE  35 Community Leaders Attend October 10, 2008   A record number of community leaders, including Pelham Mayor Ed Hotchkiss andVillage ofPelham Mayor Tom Lavin, attended the Junior League of Pelham’s annual Community Leaders’ Round Table at thePelhamArtCenterOctober9th. Thirty-five leaders representing twenty-four community organizations from Pelham and the surrounding areas met for the Round Table, “Making Connections, Making a Difference.” The goal of the annual meeting is to bring together leaders from organizations in Pelham and neighboring communities to foster an open discussion about local initiatives and issues and to coordinate project efforts where appropriate. The JLP presented an overview of current projects, including a new Pelham Improvement project and the new “Decorator’s Challenge,” an initiative stemming from last year’s Round Table. The purpose of “Decorator’s Challenge” is to refurbish the Westchester Family Services office in Pelham. The JLP also introduced this year’s grants program. Cathie Arquilla, past JLP President (2007-08) led the Round Table discussion, where community leaders discussed their organizations’ goals, needs and challenges.“We are fortunate to have so many diverse organizations all focused on making Pelham and the surrounding communities better, safer, and more compassionate places. These organizations and their leaders share a common goal of bettering our town, and a great deal of passion for their causes. The Round Table is an exciting opportunity to share resources and knowledge as well,” said Page Edmunds, Vice President of JLP Community Affairs. Community organizations in attendance included American Red Cross of Westchester, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, Christ Church, Community Markets, Community Service Associates, Family Services of Westchester, Huguenot Memorial Church, PACT, Pelham Art Center, Pelham Civics Association, Pelham Little League, Pelham Picture House, Pelham Recreation, Pelham PTA Council, Pelham Boy Scouts, Pelham Girl Scouts, Pelham Green, The Pelham Weekly, Village of Pelham, Village of Pelham Manor, Pelham Education Foundation, Pelham Public Library, Westchester Children’s Association, and Westchester Jewish Community Services. After the meeting many of the groups connected and expressed an interest in working together on projects.Introduced in 2005, the JLP Community Grants program establishes criteria by which not-for-profit organizations within our community can apply for grants on an annual basis. JLP Community Grants are awarded to projects and programs that are aligned with the League’s mission, vision and focus areas of healthy families, education and the improvement of Pelham. Up to $5,000 will be distributed in total for 2009, with individual grants ranging from $100 and up. Applications must be postmarked by January 16, 2009. For more information or for an application, contact Beth Braun, JLP Community Grants Manager atbethbraun@yahoo.com.