The Newtown/Danbury unit of Church Women United is planning its annual May Friendship Day celebration. This year’s event will be Saturday, May 16, beginning at 10 am, in the lower meeting room of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street.

The theme of the celebration is “Journey Of The Caregiver.”

According to program notes published by Church Women United, this year’s May Friendship Day celebration is for all people who struggle with their calling of caring for the needs of others.

“Caregiving can be a lonely place of isolation and frustration,” according to CWU program notes. How to care for those who give of their own lives in order to care for the needs of others, based on Scripture passages Roman 12:6-8 and Psalm 51:10-22, will be explored during the presentation.

The guest speaker will be Beverly J. Ruekberg, MPH, MA, Ed.

Ms Ruekberg received a master’s in public health from Iona College and a master’s in education from Adelphi University. She has held several senior level positions for major health care companies and hospitals in New York, and is currently president/geriatric care manager of Home Care Advantage, LLC.

A strong advocate and resource for seniors and people with disabilities, Ms Ruekberg is involved in a variety of community service programs that promotes eldercare and ways to help them maintain their independence. Her professional interests focus on geriatrics and helping people living with dementia, lead dignified and productive lives.

Ms Ruekberg was recently honored by the Connecticut Better Business Bureau with a Community Care Award for outstanding work in the senior community and received a master’s certificate in business management and leadership awarded by the Danbury Women’s Business Council.

Members of CWU Newtown/Danbury will help present the celebration, which will include responsive readings, scripture readings, prayers and hymns.

There will be a freewill offering, which will be shared with National CWU; and Fellowship of the Least Coin (FLC), an offering that asks guests to donate their country’s smallest denominational coin while also praying. FLC is an international ecumenical movement of prayer for peace and reconciliation in the world. Guests will be asked to offer silent prayers while offering their pennies for the international collection.

For additional information contact CWU Newtown/Danbury President Darlene Jackson at 203-426-5192 or Linda Manganaro, the celebration chairperson for CWU Newtown/Danbury, at 203-417-2701.

Reservations are requested so that organizers can prepare an appropriate amount of food and beverages. Contact Mrs Jackson or Mrs Manganaro to make reservations.