A Message From The Town Supervisor
Hello New Lebanon residents! In these trying times, we are all doing our best to deal with a situation that is completely new, uncharted territory. It has warmed my heart to see our community come together in these times and provide services such as grocery store and pharmacy delivery to those most vulnerable to this virus (elderly and immuno-compromised).
As of the writing of this message, we have 35 volunteers signed up to help. We have had offers from residents to help pay for groceries for community members who cannot afford food due to job layoffs or other coronavirus related issues. We have many community members sewing masks and delivering them to nursing homes, hospitals, grocery store workers, etc. Obviously N95 masks are the best but in the absence of those, a handmade mask is better than nothing.
The County has been trying to get N95 masks, gloves and other PPE for our coroners, hospital workers, emergency responders, etc. but has not gotten nearly as many as we need – this is the case across the Country as there is a massive shortage in these supplies currently. There are groups coming together offering mental health support, assistance applying for unemployment, and other needed services in these times.
The silver lining in all of this is that we live in a community that truly cares about one another and comes together in times like these to help each other through. If you have any needs at all, please feel free to contact me at 518-505-1535 or supervisor@townofnewlebanon.com and I will connect you with a volunteer ready and able to help.
Please remember to stay home whenever possible and stay safe. If you must go out for work or groceries, please keep a distance of 6 feet from others, wash and sanitize your hands regularly, and change your clothes as soon as you arrive home. I saw a great message the other day about perspective. Instead of saying “I’m stuck at home,”say “I’m safe at home.” I realize this is a challenging time for all of us, but sometimes a shift in perspective is all we need to make it through! This too shall pass.
If you have any other ideas or ways that we can help each other in these times, please let me know. I am happy to add additional support to the network we have going, or to assist you in any way to set up your own support network. It takes a village and I am so glad that New Lebanon is the village I am a part of.
Thank you to everyone for doing your part, staying home, flattening the curve, and supporting one another in all the ways that we can. Sometimes a phone call from a neighbor or loved one just to check in can make the difference in someone’s day in these times of isolation. As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns please reach out to me.
I am working full time from the safety of my home but am available to all residents anytime
Sincerely, with gratitude and in service,
Tistrya Houghtling
Town Supervisor