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!
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PINE HAVEN CONFIRMS CASES OF COVID-19The Columbia County Department of Health announced today that four residents of Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Philmont have tested positive for COVID-19. The four cases have been confirmed by New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Each of the four individuals are isolated at the facility. None of the four confirmed cases are hospitalized — their symptoms are being treated and managed by the facility. The families of the patients have been notified and the facility reports the patients’ symptoms are improving. Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation is remaining vigilant in taking proper precautions to protect staff and all residents. The facility has taken several precautions over the past three weeks in an effort to protect their community. They have been closed to visitors for the past three weeks, and employees and all essential deliveries are being screened for travel, symptoms or fever. “I’m confident that Pine Haven is taking the necessary steps to protect their residents and employees,” Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said Friday. “The Columbia County Department of Health remains in constant contact with the New York State Department of Health,” he added. “All nursing homes within the county have a plan to handle these types of contingencies,” said county Emergency Management Director David W. Harrison, Jr. “Pine Haven has and continues to be proactive. We understand they’ve been isolating residents to their wings. They’ve certainly been closely monitoring anyone coming in or out. As the Chairman mentioned we continue to communicate with the state throughout our response,” said Jack Mabb, Director of Public Health. NOTICE: TOWN OFFICES CLOSEDAll Town Offices will be closed until Monday April 6, 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. All Town and County meetings have been cancelled until further notice. Updates will be posted on our website and on the town office and court office answering machines. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time. As of 4 pm, March 27, 2020, Columbia County has 27 positive cases of COVID-19. We have received 291 test results completed for Columbia County residents. There are 96 under mandatory quarantine and 35 under precautionary quarantine. There are 10 residents with suspected, not tested cases.
Today Governor Cuomo announced all New York State schools will be closed until April 15th at which point the matter will be reevaluated. It is important now more than ever to stay vigilant and STAY HOME. If you do have to go out, don’t touch common surfaces (credit card reader, doors, countertops, shopping carts). Wash your hands for 20 seconds. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow. Dear Residents, Our Board feels that is is prudent to take proactive steps to minimize the spread of coronavirus into our community. As of Monday morning, March 16, the Town Office, including the Clerk’s Office, Assessors Office and Building Inspectors Office are all currently open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate. Updates will be posted on our website and on the Town phone system. There are no scheduled meetings this week, and decisions on upcoming meetings will be made in the near future. We ask that you postpone any in-person visits to the Town Office while we remain open, unless it is absolutely necessary. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time. Also until further notice, All County meetings have been cancelled until further notice Food Pantry Updates: As of this week the pantry will be open on Tuesday, However, food will be brought outside for you. There will be a table outside with extra items for those in need. At this time, we will be using paper bags. Please keep your reusable bags to be returned at a later date. Updates will be made as necessary. Notice from the Claverack Town Court - Court Closure The court has received notification from the Office of Court Administration that effective 5pm on Monday March 16, 2020, all town and village court proceedings will be postponed for 45 days in relation to the Coronavirus public health emergency. All Tuesday night court proceedings for Vehicle & Traffic Court, Criminal Court and Civil Court will be postponed until after May 1, 2020. All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed. The court office at this time remains open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate. Updates will be posted on our website and on the court’s answering machine. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time. STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR COLUMBIA COUNTYAs of Noon today (Monday, March 16, 2020), Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell has issued a State of Emergency has been declared for Columbia County. At this time, the State of Emergency includes one Executive Order that regulates public gatherings. The Executive Order states: All social, community, and public events or gatherings, including Columbia County-sponsored events, where it is anticipated that attendance will exceed fifty (50) people or more, shall be restricted, cancelled or postponed. This means all social gatherings of more than fifty (50) should be deferred until further notice. For any meetings that are absolutely necessary, a venue should be chosen that can accommodate a six foot distance between participants. Citizens are asked to restrict public appearances to critical activities such as obtaining fuel, food, or medical care. When in public, please retain a six foot distance from your fellow citizens. Sound personal hygiene techniques should be in practice. Read the entire State of Emergency Order here. From Columbia County 911: Hotlines available to the public for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) related information. It's best to call your doctor's office or one of these hotlines for information, before presenting at the Emergency Room, clinic or doctor's office. As always, if there is an emergent need for care of any kind, go to the ER or dial 911 without delay. As of 4 pm on March 16, 2020, Columbia County has 0 positive cases of COVID-19, 3 individuals under mandatory quarantine, 9 individuals under precautionary quarantine. We have received 15 test results completed for Columbia County residents, all with negative results. We continue to work closely with our local healthcare partners and community members on a case by case basis to evaluate testing criteria as issued by the CDC and NYSDOH.
We continue to monitor the national and state guidance and adapt our local response plans accordingly. On March 16, 2020, the Governor issued an executive order, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors issued State of Emergency for Columbia County, and the Mayor of Hudson issued a Local Emergency Order. The New York State Executive Order makes the following recommendations until further notice: no more public gatherings of over 50 persons, casinos will close at 8 pm tonight, gyms will close at 8 pm tonight, movie theaters will close at 8 pm tonight, bars/restaurants will close at 8 pm tonight- except for take out. It is recommended that only essentials be open after 8 pm tonight including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, medical facilities. Our first significant winter storm of the year is expected to impact Claverack Sunday and Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire area through Monday evening. Snow is expected to begin late morning/mid-day on Sunday. We'll likely see snow taper off for a time Sunday night, then pick back up again on Monday. Travel will be difficult Sunday evening, and during the Monday morning commute. Please plan your travel accordingly. CLAVERACK WEATHER UPDATE -- BLIZZARD WARNING ISSUED FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY
The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING for Columbia County, effective through Tuesday night. Snow is expected to begin early Tuesday morning, tapering off to snow showers during the day on Wednesday. We are expecting 18” to 24” of snow here in Claverack. Very gusty winds will result in white-out conditions. The worst conditions are expected noon to 7:00 pm on Tuesday. During this time, travel is discouraged. It is recommended that you make arrangements to be home, or at the very least off the roads, during this time. Our Town Highway Department is as prepared as possible and will be out doing their best to keep roads open. Winds may cause scattered power outages. Any outage that occurs may be for an extended period, as crews may not be able to access affected areas. Please plan ahead and be prepared. Should a power outage occur, contact your power company direct (National Grid: 800-867-5222, NYSEG: 800-572-1131). Do not dial 911 to report power outages, unless you have an emergency. We will monitor conditions tomorrow and issue additional updates as needed. The Claverack Town Board Meeting scheduled for tonight has been canceled due to the snowstorm. The meeting will be rescheduled at a later date.
The snow is beginning to move out of the area, but roads remain snow covered and slick. It will dip down to the single digits tonight and with wind chills below zero. Gusty winds will cause blowing and drifting snow. Please stay safe and consider checking on elderly neighbors, friends, and family. Additional updates will be posted to my Facebook page as needed. A dangerous nor'easter is forecast to hit Columbia County Monday night through the day on Tuesday. This storm is expected to bring very heavy snowfall and blustery winds. Wind gusts up to 30 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow and whiteout conditions. Please, make arrangements now to stay off the roads on Tuesday. Here is the latest update from Columbia County 911: **STORM UPDATE** WINTER STORM WARNING issued for Columbia County, effective 1:00 PM tomorrow through 1:00 AM Wednesday (Jan 28)... this upgrades the previously issued "Watch”... accumulations are now being forecast in feet, with 1 to 2 feet expected across all of Columbia County... worst conditions are expected Monday night through the day on Tuesday when we could see snowfall rates of 2”-3” per hours and wind gust of 30 mph. As is often the case, a slight shift in the track of this storm could make a big difference on conditions here.... so please pay attention to updates and forecasts. ----STORM SUMMARY AS OF 5:00 PM SUNDAY---- * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...12 TO 24 INCHES (12" RANGE NORTHWESTERN COLUMBIA COUNTY, 24" RANGE IN SOUTHEASTERN COLUMBIA COUNTY - SEE ACCUMULATION FORECAST GRAPHIC) * MAXIMUM SNOWFALL RATES...2 TO 3 INCHES PER HOUR. * TIMING...SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION FROM SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST MONDAY AFTERNOON AND WILL CONTINUE HEAVY AT TIMES MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY BEFORE GRADUALLY TAPERING OFF LATE TUESDAY NIGHT. * IMPACTS...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS DUE TO SNOW COVERED ROADWAYS AND LOW VISIBILITY. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WILL ALSO BE LIKELY. SOME ROADS MAY BECOME IMPASSABLE. * WINDS...NORTH 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH. * TEMPERATURES...IN THE TEENS TO LOWER 20S. *PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. We're expecting some strong/severe storms this evening in the area. These storms are associated with a front that is crossing central New York right now. Multiple severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings have been issued in western/central NY. Columbia County is currently under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, in anticipation of the arrival of these storms somewhere between 9 pm - midnight. Please remain alert and pay attention to weather bulletins.
The Columbia County Health Department is looking for an individual who may have picked up a dead deer on County Route 16 in Hollowville on Friday morning. The deer had been acting strangely and may have had rabies or another serious disease. Anyone with information should call the Columbia County Health Department at 518-828-3358 or the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at 518-828-3344.
Several area fire departments - three from the town of Claverack - battled a large brush fire on Route 217 just east of Court Ln in Claverack today. The A.B. Shaw Fire Company was first to respond and quickly summoned help from Churchtown, Mellenville, and other surrounding departments as the wind pushed the fire out of control. A preliminary report indicated that approximately 10 acres burned. Firefighters were able to contain the fire and keep it away from nearby homes. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who dropped what they were doing to respond to this threat. We owe all of our volunteer fire departments a great debt. Please do what you can, whenever you can, to support them and their departments! Photos by Lance Wheeler
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