|
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues it's grip on our state, I wanted to give you a quick update on things here locally. First, I want to say THANK YOU to all of our healthcare workers and first responders who are out on the front lines battling this pandemic. I want to also thank all of the essential workers who still report to work everyday, to provide essential goods and services to our residents and community. Much appreciated. Governor Cuomo has extended the New York State on PAUSE executive order through April 29th. This means that all schools and non-essential businesses must remain closed. Non-essential gatherings of any size (including parties, celebrations and other social events) are prohibited. All residents are encouraged to stay home, and to employ social distancing (keeping at least 6' from others) when situations require you be in public (trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc.). The CDC also recommends that you wear a cloth face covering when in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. While this shutdown is necessary and warranted, it is unfortunately going to take a toll on small businesses and our town budget. We are expecting a sharp decline in sales tax revenue, which will require us to take measures to keep finances stable. Rest assured that we are monitoring the situation and planning for what may lie ahead. With all of that said, everything isn't all doom and gloom. There are some very positive signs that things may be starting to trend in the right direction. The rate of hospitalizations and admission to Intensive Care Units are starting to decline, as it the rate of intubations (which refers to patients being placed on ventilators). This is all good news and a glimmer of hope! Please hang in there, stay home and be safe! NOTICE: TOWN OFFICES REMAIN CLOSEDAll Town Offices remain closed until Thursday April 30, 2020. As we all know, news concerning this situation changes rapidly and there is always the chance this could be extended so please check the website frequently for any new changes. If the need arises where it is necessary to speak with someone at the Town Offices, please consult the Town Directory and leave a message for the Town Clerk, Court Clerk, Assessor, or Building Inspector. Town Court is canceled until after May 1, 2020. All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed. Updates will be posted on our website and on the town office and court office answering machines.  Update from the Columbia County Department of Health, as of 3:00 pm, April 9, 2020: Unfortunately, we have had a fifth death in our community from COVID-19.
We’ve created charts representing the information reported in our daily updates that can be viewed on our website.  The Mellenville-Philmont Food Pantry is doing well and continues to provide much needed food and supplies to town residents. With so many businesses closed and residents out of work, we have seen an increase in usage of the Food Pantry in recent days. Karen Garafalo is doing a superb job keeping our stock in check and getting it out to the public, and also uses the website and Facebook to let people know what we might be in need of. Our minister from the Methodist Church brings about 50 loaves of bread to us each week. McNan’s Deli on Main Street in the Village is a great supporter of the Village in many ways. Along with the Reformed Church in Philmont (now worshiping with the Methodist Church since the fire a few years ago), they provide sandwiches daily to children up to the age of 16. Taconic Hills School provides breakfast and lunches to students whose families have signed up to receive them. They are delivered each day by Johnston’s Bus Company. We have a storefront by McNan’s where we keep a tote filled each day with canned goods, bread, spaghetti sauce, pasta, cereal, etc. for anyone in need and also put the same items out on a “free” table outside at the food pantry location (where we also have a cooler with frozen items). We are very thankful for the support of nearby residents who leave goods at the storefront or bring them to the pantry itself. We've also received financial assistance from some residents. This is a great help as we have to watch our funds carefully and do have to shop for needed items, especially meat protein and items for larger families. All in all, we are in better shape than many pantries, thanks to all the support that we do get, but that may change drastically “down the road” as people remain out of work. The vast majority of the food and supplies that we offer do not come to us free; we have to purchase them. Many things, like meat protein, is expensive and makes it difficult for us to afford. So we have to be able to substitute with what we can afford, and use what funds we have. Anyone wishing to make a financial donation to the food pantry may do so by mailing a check made payable to "Mellenville/Philmont Food Pantry" to the Claverack Town Office, PO Box V, Mellenville, NY 12544. Mary Jeanne Hoose Town Clerk  SOME FUN PHOTOS FROM COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTHWe thank them all for all that they are doing! 
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
April 2022
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
