By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On April 26, Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler provided an update on the community’s COVID-19 response efforts.
According to the mayor, “All continues to go well locally.”
At the time of his report, the Town and Village of Cazenovia had not had a new confirmed case of the virus in 21 days and there were no known active cases in the township.
“Our local residents have done a great job following the safety protocols and limiting the spread of the disease,” Wheeler said. “ . . . Citizens are urged to remain vigilant in observing public health rules so we can begin the process of reopening our community and economy as soon and as safely as possible. I am heartened that the governor will allow a phased, region-by-region approach across the state, recognizing that conditions vary enormously from one part of New York to another.”
Over a month ago, the village teamed up with a number of Cazenovia area agencies and individuals to create CazCOVIDResponse.
Based out of the CRIS (Community Resources for Independent Seniors) office at St. Peter’s Church on Mill Street, the initiative offers a centralized website, email address and phone line to communicate local updates and information on available services.
“We have received many positive comments about the local response effort at CazCovidResponse,” said Wheeler. “We are fortunate to have a great team of people and organizations giving generously of themselves to help others in our community.”
For needs related to senior citizens (ages 55 and older), call 315-655-5743 or visit cris-caz.com; for other needs, call the CazCOVIDResponse Line at 315-655-9063.
The office is now operating remotely. Callers should leave a message. Voicemail and email are checked regularly. Emergencies should be reported to 911.
The CazCOVIDResponse website offers up-to-date local notices, contact information, web links, lists of local resources, suggestions for ways to help, and a volunteer sign up. Visit the site at sites.google.com/view/cazcovidresponse.
To identify additional needs, provide information or offer resources, call 315-655-9063 or 315-655-5743 (CRIS), or email [email protected]. Additional information and resources are added daily.
According to Wheeler, two individuals have been particularly instrumental in the success of the initiative.
“Kerstin McKay and Megan McKay have been at the very heart of the team serving our area for the past five weeks,” Wheeler said. “Both of them have volunteered dozens of hours each week, answering calls and responding to emails from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, five days a week. Many of the great ideas that have helped us to respond more effectively were also thought up and organized by them. Megan is the ‘poster person’ of a selfless response to the pandemic. A waitress at Dave’s Diner, she was laid off due to the state’s emergency rules. Rather than dwell on the negative, she immediately stepped up to volunteer full time and play a critical role in helping others. Kerstin, in addition to her effort at the response center, has organized numerous [locals] to make masks for Upstate and other local caregivers in need.”
The mayor also stated that although Cazenovia has experienced relatively limited health effects from the pandemic, the economic impacts on the area are sure to be significant.
“CazCares has been doing a stellar job meeting the increased need for nutrition caused by job losses,” Wheeler said. “Dozens of people have volunteered to help others by signing up on the CazCovidResponse website. It appears the medical needs will be limited at this time, but we anticipate ongoing needs related to hunger, isolation and unemployment as NYS on Pause is extended. Thank you to everyone who has offered to help their neighbors.”
Wheeler added that the community is now beginning to plan for the second phase of its response.
“[The next phase] will include continuing our efforts related to poverty and nutrition as well as those who require support due to a need to remain isolated,” he said. “It will also include a community-wide effort to support our local businesses as they are allowed to re-open. If we want to retain them as valued parts of the economic and social fabric of our community, we will need to support them energetically if they are to shake off the effects of the shutdown. A final element will include planning for treasured community events like Memorial Day and July 4th. We will find creative ways to observe these holidays while also maintaining public health.”
Village boat launch opening
On April 18, New York State issued new guidance removing the temporary suspension on the use of boat launches for recreation as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed.
“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve worked closely with our friends in neighboring states to implement a uniform regional approach to reducing the spread of the virus,” Governor Cuomo said in a press release. “Aligning our polices in this area is another example of that strong partnership, and will help ensure there is no confusion or ‘state shopping’ when it comes to marinas and boatyards.”
The Village of Cazenovia boat launch opened to permit holders on Saturday, April 25, as originally scheduled.
In addition to the normal rules and procedures, the following guidelines have been established to ensure safety at the launch and to limit social gatherings on boats:
- Be prepared to engage in social distancing (maintaining at least 6 feet of separation) during the inspection process and when launching boats.
- Boaters should exercise good judgment in determining the appropriate number of passengers on their vessel.
- Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- As of April 17, New Yorkers are required to wear masks in public when appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained.
Registration for permits is on going. The application, payment by check, and necessary documents can be mailed to the Village Office at 90 Albany Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035 or left in the drop box outside the office. Scanned copies of the application and other documents can be emailed to [email protected].
For more information on the Village of Cazenovia Boat Launch, visit villageofcazenovia.com/parks-and-recreation/.
To prevent spread of the coronavirus, the village offices are closed to the public. Staff will be on duty to respond to citizens’ needs during regular business hours. Call 315-655-3041 or email [email protected] (cc: [email protected]).
For the latest COVID-19 information from the Madison County Health Department, visit madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19.
