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River Region continues to adjust to COVID-19 virus

Thu, Mar 19th 2020 08:15 am

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

With news of the coronavirus dominating the headlines, announcements of states of emergency, cancellations, postponements and business adjustments have been continuing nonstop. The following were announced this past week.

•The Town of Lewiston announced that, with the news of a local case of COVID-19 and the updated information that the peak of this pandemic is now up to 45 days away, Lewiston Town Hall and all related town buildings would be closed to the public effective Wednesday, March 18.

Town Supervisor Steve Broderick said staffing would remain at 50% levels per an executive order from the governor, which means all town departments will have a staffer on hand to answer phone calls. Those who have a situation that requires immediate action are requested to the town at 716-754-8214.

Those having an emergency are asked to call 911. The Lewiston Police Department is operating at 100% staffing and service.

Broderick advised that, “If you know of anyone, especially our elderly, that may need assistance please call the town. Even though our senior center is closed, we have staff on hand to assist and help. We are all concerned about the wellbeing of all our residents and we will do whatever we can, within our abilities, to help.”

On a related note, Carol Jacobs, interim director of the Lewiston Senior Center, said seniors will be able to have their medicine delivered by the pharmacies they use if they are unable to visit the pharmacy for pickup.

•The Town of Porter announced Town Hall is closed until further notice due to circumstances with the coronavirus beyond town control. Limited staff will be present. In case of an emergency, call Town Hall at 745-3730 or the Highway Department at 791-3831.

Effective immediately, scheduled meetings of the Town Board, plus the town Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and related meetings, will be cancelled until further notice.

The Town of Porter also announced that, by order of the Office of the New York State Unified Court System, the Town of Porter Justice Court would be closed until further notice. Defendants will be notified by mail of new appearance dates.

Finally, the town announced all Recreation Department yoga classes held at the Youngstown Red Brick School Village Center have been cancelled until further notice.

•Patricia E. Grupka, Ed.D., assistant superintendent for administrative services, Lewiston-Porter Central Schools, announced the following information with respect to meals provided to district students in light of the suspension of classes due to the coronavirus.

“We, like so many districts, are supporting our families by providing meal service Monday through Friday, beginning Wednesday, March 18. It is rather urgent for those families who will need the support. As you can imagine many of our families are losing work during this difficult time and could use assistance,” Grupka said. “The Lewiston-Porter Central District is committed to providing all students with meals unless we are advised otherwise. (What follows) is our current plan for providing meals to our students.

“√ Who – We will have a grab and go meal assembled for every child under the age of 18.

“√ What – The grab and go bags will consist of two meals (breakfast and lunch), as long as we have the resources to provide for both meals.

“Families should notify individuals at pick-up locations if their child has a food allergy, as grab and go lunches will be made to meet these medical restrictions.

“√ Where – Meals will be available at the Lewiston-Porter High School main entrance.

“√ When – The Food Service will begin on Wednesday, March 18.

“The district asks that families follow these time guidelines (when possible) to avoid crowding and traffic issues: Last Names – A to M – 9-10 a.m.; Last Names – N to Z – 10-11 a.m.

“√ How – Families will be asked to pick up the grab and go meals High School main entrance; and families are asked to present identification at pick up. Families who do not have a way to pick up meals should email [email protected] to make other arrangements.”

“Please be patient as we work through the logistics of this very important service. The process will likely evolve during the days and weeks ahead,” Grupka said.

Other Cancellations

•Orleans Niagara BOCES has announced that, due to the restriction on activities, the NOSBA (Niagara Orleans School Boards Association) prospective board member workshop, scheduled for March 28, will be cancelled. 

•The Youngstown Lions Club has cancelled its Easter egg hunt next month in compliance with Cuomo’s order limiting the size of groups to fewer than 10 people.

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