New Rochelle Everyday Hero: Sister Beth Dowd of Songcatchers

Do you know someone making a difference in our community? Patch wants to tell their story in a new series we’re calling “Everyday Heroes.” We are looking to share inspirational and uplifting stories of people who work to change others’ lives for the better.

Today’s nominee was sent in by Eileen Shiels.

Name of Everyday Hero

• “Sister Beth Dowd of Songcatchers, which she founded in 1994 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an array of musical programs that were both affordable and accessible to the multi-cultural population within New Rochelle.”

Relationship to the nominee

• “I volunteered as part of the Junior league of Westchester on The Sound where we painted and renovated various music rooms for the children.”

Details of good work done

• “Songcatchers provides after school music programs, choral programs and early childhood music programs to the community. It relies on the services of dedicated, talented and well-trained volunteers from local high schools, colleges and communities. It engages professional musicians to mentor and guide our volunteers. She also offers students a wide range of performance opportunities and venues for sharing their music with the community at large. She assures that everyone in the Songcatchers community and every Songcatchers program demonstrates an appreciation of the positive impact music has on the mind, body and spirit of people of all ages.”

Why do you feel is this person an Everyday Hero?

• “ Sister Beth Dowd single handedly started this program and has kept it going despite any challenges or setbacks she’s faced. She has tutored and mentored students who in turn come back to tutor and mentor the next generation of students. Children who have gone through this program have gained exposure and experience in music and instruments they might not have had the opportunity to experience. Some of them go on to to play music in high school and college and have even been awarded music scholarships. The program gives back to the community by performing at the New Rochelle Library and senior centers which also encourages the children to be aware of the community and learn about service. I personally can not say enough about Sister Beth and her positive impact on the children and families at Songcatchers.”

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Do you know someone who is an “Everyday Hero?” Nominate them by following the instructions below.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Name of Everyday Hero
2. Your relationship to the nominee
3. Details of good work done or being done
4. Why do you feel is this person an Everyday Hero?

Email your answers, along with a jpeg photo, to wendy.mitchell@patch.com and your Everyday Hero could be featured!